Although the visit was postponed, the ministers intend to reschedule their trip, although no new date has been set yet.

Instead of proceeding to Syria, the delegation visited the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, which houses many Syrians displaced by the ongoing conflict.

The current transitional government in Syria, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, was established following the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Despite the establishment of a transitional government, the security situation in Syria remains precarious, with ongoing violence and ethnic cleansing raising concerns for potential returnees.

The fragile situation is further complicated by threats from jihadist groups and loyalists of Bashar al-Assad, which aim to destabilize the interim government.

Recent massacres by pro-government militias against minority groups highlight the continued instability and danger in Syria.

Security authorities had shared intelligence with partner countries, confirming the plausibility of threats against locations relevant to the ministers' planned visit.

The German and Austrian interior ministers canceled a planned trip to Syria due to a credible threat to their delegation, prioritizing safety after receiving a tip-off.

Recent attacks by pro-Assad forces have resulted in hundreds of fatalities, underscoring the instability and danger in the region.

During discussions, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the need for basic services in Syria, such as housing and education, to encourage the safe return of refugees.

While the voluntary return of Syrian refugees is being promoted, ongoing asylum applications for Syrians remain suspended.

Germany has hosted nearly a million Syrian refugees over the past decade, and Faeser has suggested that some may need to return home under specific conditions.