Concerns over a resurgence of ISIS in Syria are growing as U.S.-aligned SDF faces attacks from Turkish-backed forces amid shifting power dynamics following the fall of the Assad regime. U.S. officials warn of ISIS exploiting ungoverned areas while the ongoing U.S. airstrikes aim to counter the threat. The SDF’s operational focus risks division, posing challenges for the Trump administration in balancing U.S. relations with Turkey as it seeks to prevent further ISIS resurgence and ensure regional stability.
The ongoing concerns regarding a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria have intensified in light of recent developments affecting U.S.-aligned forces. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are increasingly under threat not only from ISIS but also from Turkish-backed groups. On Saturday, Turkish forces reportedly killed five SDF soldiers, exacerbating the challenges faced by the SDF as they strive to maintain focus on combating ISIS amidst external pressures.
National security officials, including Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security advisor, highlighted the potential vacuum created by the shifting power dynamics in the region. With ISIS believed to have been defeated in 2019, Sullivan noted, “ISIS loves vacuums” and the current scenario in Syria is characterized by ungoverned areas that ISIS may exploit. The United States remains committed to supporting the SDF in its efforts against ISIS, even as it navigates its complex relationship with Turkey, which continues to regard the SDF as linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization.
Experts like Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies have voiced concerns regarding the implications of Turkey’s military actions against the SDF. He noted that, with the SDF weakened and the Assad regime under duress, the threat of an ISIS resurgence grows more significant. Concurrently, the Biden administration has initiated a campaign to counter ISIS, including precision strikes against known operatives and leadership.
In the midst of these challenges, CENTCOM has confirmed high-profile strikes against ISIS leaders in eastern Syria, including a recent operation that targeted Abu Yusif, a prominent figure within the group. The SDF continues to conduct operations against ISIS, having recently captured several ISIS fighters near Raqqa, a former stronghold of the group. However, increasing hostilities from Turkey-backed forces threaten to impede the SDF’s operational capabilities, raising concerns about the viability of U.S. strategies in the region under the incoming Trump administration.
Trump’s team has acknowledged the importance of this situation, emphasizing the continuation of monitoring efforts in Syria to enhance stability and safety for both Middle Eastern nations and the United States. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the future engagement of the U.S. in Syria as it grapples with balancing its counterterrorism objectives and relations with Turkey.
The current situation in Syria is marked by a complex interplay of various regional and international forces following the decline of the Assad regime. The Islamic State once faced significant opposition from the SDF and the Assad regime but is now presented with opportunities for resurgence as the power dynamics shift. Concurrently, Turkey’s ongoing military efforts against the SDF complicate the anti-ISIS campaign. This situation poses a challenge for U.S. foreign policy, which must balance counterterrorism initiatives with the maintenance of alliances, especially with NATO member Turkey.
The resurgence of threats from ISIS in Syria is a pressing concern exacerbated by Turkish military incursions targeting U.S.-aligned forces. The SDF is currently attempting to counteract these dual threats amidst diminishing operational focus due to external pressures. The Biden administration’s efforts to combat ISIS must consider increasing Turkish influence on the region, which will be a significant consideration for the incoming Trump administration’s foreign policy objectives.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
