General Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned that continued Turkish airstrikes could lead to an ISIS resurgence. He stated that current Turkish assaults are hampering counterterrorism operations while significantly reducing the number of fighters available to guard camps housing ISIS militants. The potential withdrawal of U.S. troops could create a vacuum enabling extremist factions to unite against Kurdish forces, further complicating the fragile security landscape in Syria.
General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has issued a stark warning regarding the resurgence of ISIS if Turkish airstrikes against Kurdish fighters persist. In an exclusive interview, General Abdi explained that ongoing assaults by the Turkish military, despite a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire, are undermining SDF operations aimed at containing ISIS. He noted that daily attacks, including drone strikes and artillery fire, have severely impaired their ability to secure the more than 45,000 ISIS militants and their families under their control. With a significant reduction in the number of fighters guarding critical camps and prisons, the risk of ISIS re-emerging becomes increasingly plausible.
General Abdi expressed concerns that a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, a scenario that could arise if the SDF continues to face Turkish military pressure, would create a dangerous vacuum allowing extremist elements to thrive. He stated, “We expect those Islamists, different factions to unite, to fight with ISIS and that will bring back tougher extremists,” underscoring the likelihood of renewed conflict should current diplomatic efforts fail.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. maintains a presence in the region, with officials indicating that they are closely coordinating with both SDF and Turkish representatives to prevent further escalation. This complex geopolitical landscape reveals the delicate balance required to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS while addressing the challenges posed by the Turkish-SDF conflict.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been crucial allies to the United States in the fight against ISIS, managing the detention of thousands of ISIS affiliates in various camps. However, tensions have escalated following ongoing military actions by Turkey against the Kurdish forces amidst the diminishing effectiveness of the established ceasefire agreements. The SDF’s ability to maintain control over ISIS detainees is under threat due to Turkish military operations, raising alarms about the potential resurgence of ISIS in the region. Diplomatic efforts are being made to stabilize the situation and prevent catastrophic outcomes characterized by vacuums leading to extremist violence.
General Mazloum’s warnings highlight significant concerns regarding the implications of continued Turkish military actions against Kurdish forces and the potential resurgence of ISIS. The necessity for inclusive political dialogue within Syria is critical to preventing further civil conflict and ensuring regional stability. The United States’ ongoing involvement remains pivotal in facilitating these dynamics while addressing the strategic threats posed by ISIS and regional hostilities.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
