The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, General Mazloum Abdi, cautions that continued Turkish military strikes could lead to the resurgence of ISIS in Eastern Syria. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, ongoing attacks hinder SDF operations and compromise security at ISIS detention sites. The general emphasizes the need for a representative Syrian government to prevent future extremism and instability.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the Turkish military to his forces, which are crucial allies of the United States in the battle against ISIS in Syria. He reported experiencing continuous assaults, including about eighty drone strikes daily, despite a recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The persistent attacks have severely hampered the SDF’s counterterrorism operations, raising fears that if his forces are forced to retreat, it could facilitate the resurgence of ISIS.
The situation for the SDF is precarious, with half of the personnel assigned to secure ISIS containment facilities having to withdraw recently, thus jeopardizing the security of approximately 45,000 ISIS militants detained in Eastern Syria. General Mazloum noted that while the prisons remain under SDF control, the reduction in guard numbers has made the situation increasingly vulnerable. He expressed profound concerns that an inability to maintain security could remind the international community of the chaos that accompanied the rise of ISIS if his forces are overwhelmed by attacks.
General Mazloum emphasized the critical need for a stable Syrian government that includes representation from all ethnic groups, particularly the Kurds, to avert the potential for renewed civil strife, which could reinvigorate extremist factions. As diplomatic discussions proceed between U.S. officials and Turkish leadership, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meetings with President Recep Erdogan, the efficacy of current strategies to mitigate threats in Syria remains under scrutiny.
The U.S. military continues to conduct operations against ISIS in the region, with recent airstrikes targeting multiple occupation sites of the group. U.S. Central Command has asserted its steadfast commitment to preventing ISIS’s resurgence in the face of emerging challenges from regional actors. In acknowledgment of the SDF’s frontline role against terrorism, the U.S. administration has reiterated its support, recognizing the importance of sustaining the partnership amid rising tensions.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been integral allies of the United States in the battle against ISIS in Syria, particularly in the eastern regions where ISIS has established a presence. Led by General Mazloum Abdi, the SDF comprises mainly Kurdish fighters, who have successfully contended with ISIS factions while also fending off attacks from Turkish military forces that perceive the Kurdish groups as a terrorist threat. As Turkish military operations escalate, they have introduced significant complications to the security landscape in Eastern Syria, necessitating ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.
In summary, General Mazloum Abdi’s warnings about the challenges facing the SDF illuminate not only the fragility of the current counter-ISIS operations but also the broader implications for regional stability. The persistence of Turkish military interventions threatens the SDF’s capacity to maintain secure facilities housing ISIS militants, raising alarms over potential extremist revivals. Furthermore, the call for an inclusive Syrian government underscores the necessity for a collaborative approach to ensure lasting peace and mitigate the risk of renewed conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
