Renewed ISIS Threat Looms in Syria as Turkey Targets U.S. Ally SDF
Concerns are rising over ISIS’s potential resurgence in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and attacks on U.S.-backed SDF forces. President-elect Trump faces challenges in countering ISIS while navigating U.S.-Turkey relations. Recent military actions by the Biden administration aim to curb ISIS’s influence, but increasing violence from Turkish-backed forces complicates the situation for the incoming administration.
Concerns regarding a potential resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria have intensified following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and subsequent attacks against U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confront the complexities of addressing the extremist group’s activities, particularly as the SDF struggles to balance its focus between thwarting ISIS and managing threats from Turkey-backed forces.
Recently, five SDF soldiers lost their lives in assaults perpetrated by Turkish-supported factions in northern Syria, signaling the precarious situation on the ground. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, expressed significant apprehension regarding the return of ISIS, which had been proclaimed “defeated” in 2019. He noted, “ISIS loves vacuums”; a reference to their opportunistic expansion in unstable regions. Sullivan emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting the SDF, the Kurdish coalition fighting ISIS, amidst the challenges posed by Turkey, which views the SDF as intertwined with the terrorist organization PKK.
Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, underscored the implications of the SDF’s weakening position against the backdrop of IDS resurgence. Roggio confirmed that the combination of the SDF’s vulnerabilities and the pressure applied by Turkish proxies creates a perilous environment for combating ISIS. In response, the Biden administration has intensified military efforts against ISIS, targeting key leaders and operations across Syria, including precision strikes that recently eliminated ISIS leader Abu Yusif.
The situation remains dire, with the SDF attempting to deal with increasing assaults while combating ISIS uprisings in coordination with international alliances. As Donald Trump’s administration prepares to assume responsibilities, it faces the dual challenge of addressing ISIS resurgence while maintaining a delicate relationship with Turkey, which has a significant influence over the future dynamics in Syria. Brian Hughes of the Trump-Vance Transition stated, “President Trump is committed to diminishing threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and to protecting Americans here at home.”
The situation in Syria has been characterized by a complex interplay of alliances and enmities following the decline of the Assad regime. The U.S. has historically collaborated with the Kurdish forces, notably the SDF, in counterterrorism efforts against ISIS. However, this partnership complicates relations with Turkey, a NATO ally, which views the SDF as a terrorist entity linked to the PKK. The recent increase in violence from Turkish-backed forces toward the SDF poses additional risks to U.S. interests in the region and raises alarms about a potential increase in ISIS activity as the political landscape in Syria remains volatile.
In summary, the potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria represents a significant challenge for President-elect Donald Trump, necessitating a multifaceted approach to counter the extremist group while navigating the complicated relationship with Turkey. Maintaining support for the SDF amidst rising threats and increasing attacks will be vital in efforts to stabilize the region and prevent further violence. The Biden administration’s military actions against ISIS indicate a commitment to addressing these threats, but the success of such strategies remains uncertain given the evolving dynamics on the ground.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
