General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, warns of a potential ISIS resurgence due to ongoing Turkish military attacks, which undermine SDF counterterrorism operations while half of their forces guarding ISIS sites have withdrawn. U.S. involvement continues to mediate these tensions, and the risk of increased violence and instability looms over the region.
In an exclusive Fox News interview, General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), raised alarms about the resurgence of ISIS if the Turkish military assaults do not cease. Despite a recently brokered U.S. ceasefire, Turkish operations against the SDF continue, comprising approximately eighty drone strikes daily. General Abdi expressed that the ongoing assaults have crippled their counterterrorism efforts, compelling half of his forces guarding ISIS captives to withdraw, thus jeopardizing the security of these facilities.
The situation has worsened following the political turmoil after Bashar Al Assad’s regime. General Abdi stated, “All of the prisons still are under our control. However, the prisons and camps are in a critical situation because who is guarding them? They are leaving and having to protect their families.” He cautioned that an evacuation of Kurdish fighters would pave the way for ISIS’s return, significantly threatening the security of the region. The U.S. military, maintaining a presence of 900 troops, might face withdrawal if Kurdish forces are overwhelmed by Turkish assaults.
In response to these developments, National Security Adviser John Kirby remarked, “We don’t want to see that happen. So we’re in very close touch with our SDF partners to try to maintain that focus on counter-ISIS missions.” Additionally, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Erdogan to address concerns over Syria’s stability, emphasizing the importance of human rights and the necessity for all Syrian factions to work towards defeating ISIS.
Despite recent escalations, the SDF announced a truce with Turkish-backed rebels, demonstrating a willingness to negotiate for civilian safety. However, General Abdi expressed apprehensions regarding the implications of U.S. troop withdrawal, foreseeing a potentially disastrous vacuum that could lead to a resurgence of hardline Islamist factions, igniting another bloody civil war in Syria.
As tensions mount, an incident of friendly fire where a U.S. drone was mistakenly shot down by SDF fighters adds to the complex interplay of alliances and hostilities within the region, highlighting the fragile nature of current military engagements.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been a vital ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS in Eastern Syria, maintaining custody of thousands of ISIS fighters. The ongoing conflict in Syria becomes complicated with Turkish military operations targeting the Kurdish groups that the U.S. supports. This has raised concerns among SDF leadership about the potential resurgence of ISIS if Kurdish forces are weakened by Turkish attacks, as this may provide a critical opening for ISIS to regain strength in the region. The backdrop of these issues is further complicated by international diplomatic efforts, including U.S. involvement in mediating ceasefires and addressing humanitarian law in Syria. The complex dynamics between various factions in Syria, including differing interests of the U.S., Turkey, and Kurdish militants, create a precarious situation that could easily escalate into further violence.
The segment emphasizes the precarious situation faced by the Syrian Democratic Forces due to continued Turkish military attacks despite U.S. mediation efforts for peace. General Mazloum Abdi’s warnings illustrate the potential consequences of these conflicts, notably the resurgence of ISIS and the threat of renewed civil war if the U.S. were to withdraw its troops. As diplomatic efforts continue, the risk of instability remains high if a comprehensive and inclusive political solution is not reached. The fragile peace hinges on both local and international cooperation to ensure the protection of civilians and to sustain anti-ISIS operations.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
