Renewed Concerns Over ISIS Resurgence in Syria Amid Turkish Aggression

A resurgence of ISIS in Syria is a growing concern for the Trump administration, following attacks on U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) by Turkish-backed forces. A cease-fire appears to be ineffective as the Biden administration intensifies efforts against ISIS. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expresses fears of ISIS exploiting the current power vacuums, urging support for the SDF amid escalating Turkish aggression.

Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, there are rising fears regarding a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) and its potential impact on U.S.-aligned forces, specifically the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This situation presents challenges for President-elect Donald Trump, as the SDF may have to balance its confrontation with ISIS while also facing threats from Turkey. Recently, Turkish-backed forces killed five SDF soldiers, highlighting the increasing violence in the region and the apparent breakdown of a cease-fire agreement that had been facilitated by the Biden administration.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has expressed significant concern about ISIS’s return, analyzing how power vacuums in regions like Syria can benefit extremist groups. With the Assad regime weakened and the SDF under pressure from Turkey, experts warn that ISIS may capitalize on this instability to regain power. Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasized Turkey’s ambition to diminish the SDF, suggesting that this ongoing conflict will provide ISIS with opportunities for expansion.

In response to the challenges presented by ISIS, the Biden administration has intensified military operations, targeting known ISIS leaders and facilities, further compounded by recent gains made by Turkey-backed rebel groups in key regions such as Aleppo. On the ground, SDF forces are actively working to thwart ISIS uprisings, which include recent captures of ISIS militants in Raqqa. Despite these efforts, the increasing attacks from Turkey-affiliated forces pose a risk to the effectiveness of the SDF and the broader U.S. strategy in Syria.

The instability in Syria has significantly increased following the weakening of the Assad regime and heightened tensions due to Turkish military operations against the Kurdish-led SDF. The SDF has been a crucial ally for the United States in its fight against ISIS. However, Turkey views the SDF unfavorably, regarding it as an extension of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization in Turkey. Thus, the evolving geopolitical relations complicate U.S. foreign policy in the region, especially regarding balancing relations with Turkey while maintaining pressure on ISIS.

As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate with escalating violence and shifting power dynamics, the potential resurgence of ISIS presents a critical challenge for the upcoming Trump administration. It must navigate the complexities of supporting the SDF while managing relations with Turkey, particularly as the latter intensifies its military operations against Kurdish forces. The connection between regional instability and the threat of terrorism underscores the urgent need for a coherent U.S. strategy in the region.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com