U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that Syrian Security Forces appear more radical than reported, citing a disturbing video of Syrian military war chants and an Israeli official's stark warning, in a post on X between 9:47 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. UTC on December 16, 2025. Graham stated support for aiding Syria's new government but urged proceeding with eyes wide open due to mounting evidence of radicalism, according to his X post linking to a Fox News article on the Israeli official's comments during the 29-minute reporting window ending at 10:15 p.m. UTC. Graham affirmed Israel's position on security zones to protect Israel and Syrian minorities including the Druze, as detailed in the post shared in the past half hour. The remarks follow earlier reports of Syrian Security Forces dismantling an ISIS cell in Idlib and threats against Christmas celebrations in the Druze-majority Bashan Mountain Republic area of Suwayda, though no direct connection was stated.
