SDF Uninformed About US Troop Withdrawal Plans Amid Rising Concerns

The Syrian Democratic Forces have not been notified of US withdrawal plans, despite reports suggesting potential troop reduction. This comes amid concerns that ISIS could reemerge, exacerbating the security situation post-Assad’s ousting. The Biden administration has reiterated its commitment to combating ISIS in Syria, with troop levels now higher than previously reported. Regional dynamics are shifting, particularly involving Turkey and Kurdish factions.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reported they have not been informed about plans by the US military to withdraw troops from Syria. This announcement was made by SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami following media reports on the potential withdrawal, which could involve 2,000 US personnel currently aiding in the fight against ISIS in the region. This force controls about a third of Syria’s territory.

Shami expressed concerns that ISIS and other hostile groups might exploit a US withdrawal, potentially leading to chaos reminiscent of 2014. This statement comes after NBC News cited unnamed Pentagon sources stating that the Trump administration was developing plans for a withdrawal in 30, 60, or 90 days.

When questioned about troop withdrawal, President Trump remarked that Syria is complex and that the US need not be involved in every situation in the region. His ‘America First’ policy emphasizes ending military engagements abroad, a stance he considered during his first term that met with internal resistance due to fears of a resurgence in ISIS and the impact on Kurdish allies.

The uncertainty surrounding US troops intensified following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December by a coalition led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. The Biden administration has reaffirmed the US commitment to remaining in Syria to thwart a resurgence of ISIS, which previously occupied significant territory.

Currently, about 2,000 US personnel remain in Syria, an increase from earlier estimations. The US has been engaged in Syria since 2014, primarily targeting ISIS fighters. Analysts caution that a halt to foreign aid could jeopardize the security of Kurdish-led operations managing ISIS detainees in the region.

The situation implicates a larger shift in regional dynamics following al-Assad’s ousting. Recently, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has traditionally opposed al-Assad. Turkey views several Kurdish factions, including the YPG (integral to the SDF), as threats, intensifying conflict scenarios.

During a news conference, Erdogan stressed Turkey’s commitment to combating both ISIS and Kurdish factions. Al-Sharaa reciprocated, indicating intentions for closer cooperation with Turkey and addressing perceived threats to regional territorial integrity, advocating for an end to Kurdish self-rule and urging the SDF to disarm and join a centralized government.

The Syrian Democratic Forces have been a crucial ally of the US in the international coalition against ISIS in Syria, governing significant portions of northeastern Syria. Previously, President Trump had shown interest in withdrawing US troops, yet the implications of such decisions have consistently prompted governmental pushback. The removal of Bashar al-Assad has altered the geopolitical landscape in the region, leading to speculations about the future roles of various factions and external powers. This backdrop illustrates the intricate relationships among local forces, international allies, and the fundamental threat posed by ISIS in a post-Assad Syria.

In summary, the SDF remains uninformed about impending US troop withdrawals amidst rising concerns regarding ISIS’s potential resurgence. This development is particularly pivotal as regional dynamics evolve following Assad’s ouster. Consequently, the future of US military involvement in Syria, along with alliances with Kurdish forces, will be critical in shaping the trajectory of stability and security in the area.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com