Gen. Mazlum Kobani cautions that recent changes in the U.S. strategy could allow ISIS to exploit the turmoil in northeastern Syria.
U.S. Policy Shift in Syria May Enable ISIS Comeback, Kurdish Leader Alerts
U.S. Policy Shift in Syria May Enable ISIS Comeback, Kurdish Leader Alerts
Kurdish militias express concerns over potential power vacuum as U.S. reassesses its role in Syria amid ongoing clashes with Turkey-backed forces.
In a significant warning, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Gen. Mazlum Kobani, raised alarms over the shifting U.S. strategy in Syria, highlighting the risks of a renewed resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). With U.S. backing, the Kurdish forces have been instrumental in the battle against ISIS, managing prisons filled with accused members, administering massive camps for displaced individuals, and establishing an autonomous governance in northern Syria.
However, the political climate in Syria is precarious following increased instability across the region. As the Assad regime faces challenges from various rebel groups, Kurdish forces have come under escalating attacks from Turkey-backed militia. The recent conflicts in pivotal locations like Manbij and Kobani have witnessed Kurdish forces being targeted by Turkish air support, drawing essential fighters away from safeguarding the prisons that house ISIS suspects.
General Kobani articulated his concerns, saying, “This leaves a vacuum behind that can be taken advantage of by ISIS and other actors,” suggesting that the current military focus diverts resources away from crucial containment efforts. As the U.S. re-evaluates its commitment to Kurdish allies amidst the evolving situations on the ground, the implications of this shift could be profound, particularly concerning the growing threat from ISIS as socio-political dynamics in Syria continue to shift.
The Kurdish forces are now in a challenging position, balancing between maintaining their stronghold against Turkish aggression while still managing the risks posed by ISIS, an entity they have fought tirelessly against alongside U.S. forces.
However, the political climate in Syria is precarious following increased instability across the region. As the Assad regime faces challenges from various rebel groups, Kurdish forces have come under escalating attacks from Turkey-backed militia. The recent conflicts in pivotal locations like Manbij and Kobani have witnessed Kurdish forces being targeted by Turkish air support, drawing essential fighters away from safeguarding the prisons that house ISIS suspects.
General Kobani articulated his concerns, saying, “This leaves a vacuum behind that can be taken advantage of by ISIS and other actors,” suggesting that the current military focus diverts resources away from crucial containment efforts. As the U.S. re-evaluates its commitment to Kurdish allies amidst the evolving situations on the ground, the implications of this shift could be profound, particularly concerning the growing threat from ISIS as socio-political dynamics in Syria continue to shift.
The Kurdish forces are now in a challenging position, balancing between maintaining their stronghold against Turkish aggression while still managing the risks posed by ISIS, an entity they have fought tirelessly against alongside U.S. forces.
