SDF Commander Warns of ISIS Resurgence Amid Turkish Military Strikes
General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, warns that a continuation of Turkish military airstrikes threatens to precipitate a resurgence of ISIS by undermining SDF’s ability to guard ISIS detainees. The SDF faces overwhelming attacks, leaving them with diminished resources to manage security, prompting concerns over the stability of the region amidst ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has issued a stark warning regarding the resurgence of ISIS in the region if Turkish military actions continue. He emphasized that ongoing assaults on his Kurdish forces compromise their efforts to manage and guard approximately 45,000 ISIS militants and their families in various camps and prisons across Eastern Syria. “We are still under constant attack from the Turkish military and the Turkish-supported opposition which is called SNA,” said General Mazloum, noting that his forces endure around eighty drone strikes daily.
The situation has escalated since the fall of Bashar Al Assad on December 8, leading to a significant reduction of his fighters dedicated to monitoring the ISIS camps. Currently, half of the personnel at strategic facilities like the Raqqa prison, which houses about 1,000 ex-ISIS fighters, have left due to the conflict. General Mazloum highlighted this staffing crisis, stating that, “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 approximately 900 U.S. troops in the region is critical, as their withdrawal could create a vacuum that ISIS may exploit. Amid international dialogues for a ceasefire, U.S. officials, including National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, are working towards ensuring a collaborative effort to stabilize Syria and maintain counter-ISIS operations. General Mazloum urged the international community to recognize the implications of any U.S. withdrawal, warning that it might lead to a resurgence of extremist factions in the region.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS, have been facing intense military pressure from Turkey. The SDF primarily comprises Kurdish fighters who are crucial in detaining and monitoring ISIS members. Following escalating Turkish military operations, which have increased since a recent geopolitical shift in the region, General Mazloum Abdi has voiced concerns about their ability to maintain control over ISIS prisoners given the ongoing attacks.
General Mazloum’s warnings about the potential return of ISIS underscore the fragile stability in the region and the direct impacts of Turkish military interventions on counterterrorism efforts. The international response, particularly from the U.S., appears vital in preventing a resurgence of ISIS and ensuring effective governance in Syria that encompasses diverse political interests, especially those of minority groups like the Syrian Kurds. As discussions continue regarding the situation, the need for an inclusive approach remains critical.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
