General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, warns that the likelihood of an IS resurgence in Syria has doubled due to ongoing chaos in the region. With increased attacks from Turkey and a distracted Kurdish force, both IS militants and their families are signaling a potential comeback, raising alarm among local civilians.
Syrian Kurds Sound Alarm: Increased Threat of IS Resurgence Amid Chaos
Syrian Kurds Sound Alarm: Increased Threat of IS Resurgence Amid Chaos
Kurdish forces warn of a rising threat from the Islamic State, as instability in Syria diverts focus from counter-terrorism efforts and prompts fears of a return to violence.
The recent turmoil following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime has provided fertile ground for the Islamic State (IS) to gain strength, according to General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In an exclusive interview, he detailed concerns that IS activity and threats have significantly intensified, asserting that the chance of a resurgence has nearly doubled.
Abdi emphasizes that past victories against IS are being jeopardized. "We fought against them and paid 12,000 souls," he stated, expressing frustration at the possibility of re-engaging in battles that had seemed resolved. The SDF faces heightened challenges, as they are increasingly attacked by Turkey and backed rebel factions, which has necessitated a diversion of resources from counter-terrorism operations.
A critical aspect of this new threat involves IS militants reportedly seizing abandoned military supplies from Syrian regime forces. Abdi warns that a breach of SDF-run detention facilities, holding around 10,000 IS fighters and their families, is a distinct possibility. "The number one threat is now Turkey," he said, highlighting how airstrikes disrupt SDF focus on securing these prisons.
Access to Al Sina, the largest facility for IS detainees, provides insight into the tense environment within. The prison houses roughly 5,000 individuals, suspected of profound ties to IS ideology. A brief interaction with a detainee revealed a complex reality: individuals caught in the web of conflict, like a 28-year-old Australian man, share accounts of unintended paths leading to Syria.
Meanwhile, the Roj camp, holding around 3,000 women and children linked to IS fighters, signals an undercurrent of unresolved tensions. Some detainees express hope for freedom post-Assad, while others exhibit an alarming loyalty to IS ideologies. Saida Temirbulatova, a former tax inspector from Dagestan, expressed desire for liberation, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the camp.
As uncertainty looms over Turkey's potential operations in northern Syria, local Kurdish communities are preparing for the worst, with civilians like Jewan, a young English teacher, packing up and fearing for their futures. He questions the likelihood of international intervention to safeguard civilians in such unpredictable times.
The evolving situation demands a multifaceted examination of the interplay between local, regional, and global responses to the renewed IS threat amidst the ongoing strife in Syria. With urgent calls for support from those on the ground, the international community faces a critical juncture in addressing both the resurgence of extremism and the safety of vulnerable populations.
