Heightened concerns about ISIS resurgence in Syria arise amid escalating attacks on U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Turkish-backed factions. The Biden administration’s cease-fire efforts appear to have faltered, with national security officials warning of ISIS’s potential reestablishment as ungoverned regions thrive. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to confront these challenges, the complexity of U.S. relations with Turkey and the strategic fight against ISIS becomes increasingly critical.
Concerns over the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria have intensified amidst developments following the fall of the Assad regime and rising assaults on U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). President-elect Donald Trump may encounter significant challenges as the SDF grapples with the dual threat of ISIS and aggressive actions from Turkey. The SDF reported that five of its members were killed due to Turkish-backed forces’ attacks on Saturday, highlighting the volatile situation on the ground.
The Biden administration’s cease-fire agreement appears to have faltered, prompting U.S. and SDF operations against ISIS to escalate. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed serious concerns regarding ISIS’s potential resurgence, particularly as regions in Syria become increasingly ungoverned. He noted, “ISIS loves vacuums,” referencing the chaos that often allows extremist groups to reclaim influence as power structures weaken. The U.S. aims to continue supporting the SDF in its efforts to suppress ISIS activity while navigating complex diplomatic relations with Turkey, which views the SDF as synonymous with terrorism.
Analysts emphasize that Turkey’s campaign against the SDF could provide ISIS with new opportunities for expansion, as previously mentioned by Bill Roggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies: “Turkey wants to destroy the SDF.” The current situation was further complicated by a recent offensive by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), undermining the SDF’s capacity to resist ISIS. Despite these challenges, the Biden administration has conducted significant strikes against ISIS, including targeting its leaders and camps in Syria.
Meanwhile, the SDF is attempting to maintain control over ISIS remnants, evidenced by their capture of 18 ISIS operatives near Raqqa, a former stronghold of the group. However, the emergence of increased attacks from the SNA threatens the SDF’s operational capacity to confront ISIS effectively. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, officials emphasize the necessity of monitoring the evolving situation in Syria to protect regional stability and mitigate the risks posed by potential ISIS resurgence.
The backdrop of this concern involves the ongoing instability in Syria following the political upheaval surrounding President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Islamic State had previously been deemed “defeated” in 2019; however, the weakened state structures in Syria have left opportunities for extremist organizations like ISIS to regain influence. The SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces, has been a critical ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS but faces renewed threats from Turkish military efforts, which label the SDF as a terrorist organization. As the Biden administration addresses this complex situation, the involvement of multiple factions exacerbates the risk of ISIS’s return. International cooperation remains vital to monitor and counter the evolving threats in the region.
In conclusion, the potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria poses an immediate threat following the destabilization caused by the Assad regime’s fall and heightened hostilities from Turkish-backed forces against the SDF. The Biden administration endeavors to strategize effectively to combat ISIS while managing the intricate relationships between the various stakeholders in the region, particularly Turkey. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, the need for a clear and coherent policy approach toward Syria and the combat against ISIS is paramount to ensure regional stability and national security.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
