The fall of the Assad regime has heightened fears of an ISIS resurgence in Syria, complicating the situation for U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) amid Turkish-backed attacks. President-elect Trump’s administration will need to navigate the dual threats posed by ISIS and Turkey’s aggression while maintaining U.S. military support for Kurdish forces.
Concerns regarding the resurgence of ISIS in Syria are intensifying in the wake of the Assad regime’s decline and an escalation in assaults directed at the U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). President-elect Donald Trump is likely to encounter renewed challenges from the extremist group as the SDF grapples with the dual threat of ISIS and Turkish aggression. Recently, the SDF reported the deaths of five soldiers in attacks attributed to Turkish-backed forces in northern Syria, as reported by Reuters.
Following the apparent breakdown of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the Biden administration, the U.S. and the SDF have intensified their efforts against ISIS. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed that his predominant concern is the potential resurgence of ISIS, which was proclaimed “defeated” in 2019. “ISIS loves vacuums,” Sullivan remarked, highlighting the group’s historical exploitation of power vacuums in various regions. He stressed that it is critical to support the SDF, comprised primarily of Kurdish forces, to maintain pressure on ISIS.
The U.S. has historically had to manage a delicate balance in its operations against ISIS in Syria, collaborating with Kurdish forces while facing opposition from Turkey, which views the SDF as a terrorist entity due to its affiliations with the PKK. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the absence of the SDF and the significant pressure on the Assad regime could exacerbate the threat from ISIS. He affirmed that “Turkey wants to destroy the SDF” and is likely to escalate attacks on them.
In recent actions, the Biden administration has increased its campaign against ISIS, conducting significant strikes against known ISIS assets, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This intensified campaign coincided with significant territorial gains by Turkey-backed factions in Syria. Additionally, CENTCOM announced the killing of an ISIS leader using a precision airstrike in an area where ISIS had reportedly acquired weapons from the former Syrian military.
Despite these efforts, apprehensions persist regarding the SDF’s operational capacity, which may become compromised due to the growing assaults from the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army, posing a challenge for the incoming Trump administration as they seek to prevent another ISIS resurgence while navigating U.S.-Turkey relations. Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, stated, “President Trump is committed to diminishing threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and to protecting Americans here at home.”
The geopolitical landscape in Syria remains unstable following the decline of the Assad regime, which has allowed for a power vacuum in the region. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are essential allies of the U.S. in the fight against ISIS, are now facing threats from both ISIS and Turkey’s military actions against them. As U.S. leadership changes, there are concerns that the SDF could be increasingly vulnerable to attacks from Turkish-backed forces, complicating the fight against ISIS. National security officials have expressed that the resurgence of ISIS due to territorial shifts is a significant concern that must be addressed as U.S. foreign policy navigates these challenges.
In summary, the potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria poses a complex challenge for the incoming Trump administration. With the significant threats from both ISIS and Turkish-backed forces against the SDF, the U.S. must carefully strategize to maintain its position against extremist groups while balancing relations with Turkey, a NATO ally. Increased military action against ISIS has been initiated by the Biden administration, yet the evolving situation remains precarious. Continued monitoring and adaptive strategies will be crucial in addressing these multifaceted threats in the region.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
