SDF Commander Warns of ISIS Resurgence Amid Turkish Attacks in Syria

General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, cautions that Turkish military assaults could lead to a resurgence of ISIS in Syria. Ongoing attacks threaten the SDF’s control over ISIS detainees, heightening concerns of instability. The U.S. remains involved, with discussions aimed at fostering stability and addressing human rights in the region.

In a recent interview with Fox News, General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), emphasized the dire implications of continued Turkish military actions against Kurdish forces in Syria. The SDF, recognized as a pivotal U.S. ally, is currently responsible for overseeing approximately 45,000 ISIS militants and their families in various camps and prisons. General Mazloum expressed serious concerns regarding ongoing attacks from Turkish forces, even in light of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. He revealed that the SDF has suffered substantial casualties, stating, “Eighty drone attacks a day we have from the Turkish military. There is intensive artillery shells. This situation has paralyzed our counterterror operation.”

The situation has escalated with intensified attacks since December 8, when Bashar Al Assad’s regime faced setbacks. As General Mazloum warned, the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from duty could lead to a resurgence of ISIS. He reported that the number of guards maintaining control of ISIS facilities has halved, placing these locations in a precarious situation. This creates an alarming vulnerability as he noted, “All of the prisons still are under our control. However, the prisons and camps are in a critical situation because who is guarding them?”

The presence of U.S. troops in Eastern Syria remains pivotal, with 900 soldiers on the ground. These forces would likely be compelled to withdraw should the Kurdish SDF retreat under Turkish aggression, which Ankara perceives as a terrorist threat. John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Communications Adviser, stated the U.S. is engaged with both the SDF and Turkish counterparts to maintain focus on countering ISIS.

Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Turkish President Recep Erdogan to address stability in Syria. Blinken stressed the necessity for all factions in Syria to respect human rights and humanitarian standards. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command has conducted airstrikes against ISIS positions, reinforcing a commitment to preventing the group’s reestablishment.

General Mazloum fears a power vacuum resulting from a U.S. withdrawal could pave the way for renewed extremism and civil unrest within Syria. He asserted, “We expect those Islamists, different factions to unite, to fight with ISIS, and that will bring back tougher extremists, terrorist organizations back to the country.”

The SDF has been a crucial ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS in Syria, managing a significant population of ISIS-affiliated individuals in detention facilities. However, mounting pressures from Turkish military operations have strained SDF resources, threatening their ability to maintain control over these detainees. The ongoing conflict influences the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly regarding U.S. interests and strategies for combatting terrorism.

The situation in Eastern Syria is rapidly deteriorating due to persistent Turkish attacks on the SDF, risking a revival of ISIS should Kurdish forces be forced to retreat. The U.S. has a vested interest in stabilizing the region and preventing the resurgence of extremism, yet the fluctuating military landscape complicates these efforts. General Mazloum’s warnings underscore the urgent need for inclusive political solutions in Syria to mitigate the risk of civil war and uphold regional security.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com