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Washington Intensifies Strikes Against ISIS After Fall of Syrian Regime
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Absence of Syrian and Russian air defense systems provides opportunity for U.S. military to intensify operations against ISIS, but creates new security challenges
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime has allowed U.S. forces to expand their operations against ISIS in areas previously protected by Syrian and Russian air defense systems, however extremists may benefit from the security vacuum created by Syrian forces' withdrawal.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported eliminating 12 ISIS members during operations aimed at preventing the organization from launching external attacks and reorganizing in central Syria.
Pentagon spokesman General Pat Ryder revealed that the military environment has become "more favorable" for executing U.S. strikes after the removal of restrictions previously imposed by Syrian and Russian air defenses.
Political expert Rafael Cohen from the RAND Corporation warned of the possibility of ISIS exploiting post-Assad chaos in Syria to re-emerge with greater force, pointing to the danger of Kurdish allies being preoccupied with confronting Turkey instead of the organization.
About 900 U.S. troops are deployed in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition fighting ISIS, but Donald Trump's return to the White House could change the landscape, especially given his previous signals of intention to withdraw U.S. forces.
The new leadership in Damascus, with increasing foreign diplomatic visits, seeks to reassure the international community of its ability to establish peace in the country torn by civil war for 13 years.
Levant-Agencies
