SDF commander in Syria warns of ISIS return if Turkish airstrikes don’t stop
In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News, Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressed his concerns about the ongoing attacks by the Turkish military on his Kurdish forces, despite a ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S. just a day earlier. The SDF, which is the main U.S. ally in the region, is currently responsible for guarding 45,000 ISIS militants and their families at various camps and prisons in Eastern Syria.
Gen. Mazloum revealed that the Turkish military, along with its allied forces, have been launching relentless attacks on his Kurdish fighters, with up to 80 drone attacks per day and intense artillery shellings. These attacks have severely hindered the SDF’s ability to carry out counterterrorism operations effectively, putting the region at risk of an ISIS resurgence.
The situation has escalated following the fall of Bashar Al Assad on December 8, with half of the SDF fighters stationed at the ISIS camps having to withdraw in recent days. This has left the prisons and camps vulnerable, as the diminishing number of guards struggle to maintain control over the facilities.
Gen. Mazloum issued a chilling warning that if the Kurdish fighters are forced to retreat under attack from the Turkish military, it could pave the way for the return of ISIS. This is a concerning prospect, as the U.S. has 900 troops stationed in Eastern Syria, who may have to withdraw if the Kurdish forces are no longer able to hold their ground.
To address the escalating situation, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is currently in Turkey to discuss ways to bring stability to Syria. During a meeting with President Recep Erdogan, Blinken emphasized the importance of all actors in Syria respecting human rights and upholding international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander General Erik Kurilla recently met with Gen. Mazloum and the SDF in Syria, following extensive airstrikes carried out by the U.S. military targeting ISIS positions in Eastern Syria. The operation, which struck over 75 targets using U.S. Air Force assets, aimed to prevent ISIS from reconstituting and taking advantage of the instability in the region.
Despite the challenges faced by the SDF, Gen. Mazloum remains hopeful that a ceasefire can be achieved in key areas such as Manbij, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor. However, he warns that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria could lead to a vacuum that extremist groups may exploit, potentially triggering another bloody civil war in the country.
As the situation in Syria remains volatile, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and security of civilians, uphold international laws, and work towards a sustainable solution that includes representation from all minority groups. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for the region and its people.
