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Washington Supports Continued SDF Guarding of ISIS Extremist Prisons
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The U.S. position supporting Syrian Democratic Forces' continued prison guard duty reflects recognition of importance in preventing ISIS resurgence
The U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have emphasized their absolute refusal to hand over ISIS prisons to the new administration in Damascus, amid escalating concerns about the extremist organization's attempts to exploit current unrest to reorganize its ranks.
An official at Hasakah prison, which holds about 4,500 ISIS fighters including many foreigners, spoke about the risks of increased organization activity, stating: "When the Syrian regime fell... Islamic State seized many weapons, and they will reorganize themselves to attack the prisons."
Security sources highlighted the SDF's success in thwarting two ISIS attempts to storm prisons since Assad's regime fell on December 8, confirming the seriousness of threats posed by the extremist organization.
Reuters correspondents, who were able to visit the heavily fortified Hasakah prison, reported testimonies from three foreign detainees from Britain, Russia, and Germany, while officials confirmed that "prison protection is the responsibility of the Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces only."
The American supportive position of the Kurds was evident in statements by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized that enabling the SDF to continue their mission in "securing foreign terrorist fighters" represents an essential element in preventing the extremist organization's reemergence.
Concerns are mounting about the implications of sharp disagreements between the SDF and the new administration regarding the mechanism for integrating forces into the Syrian security system, as the forces reject the new Defense Ministry's demands for dissolution.
Security experts have raised concerns about extremist elements infiltrating the ranks of forces that controlled Damascus, based on monitoring individuals carrying ISIS flags among these forces.
Military analysts indicate that the SDF's experience in combating ISIS, demonstrated in liberating Raqqa in 2017 and Baghouz in 2019, makes them most capable of continuing the prison guard mission.
Intelligence reports confirm that ISIS seeks to exploit the unstable security situation across most of Syria, despite the new administration's announcement of thwarting an organization attack on a Shiite shrine near Damascus on January 11.
The crisis is complicated by Turkey's intervention, with Ankara demanding the handover of prisons to the new administration in Damascus, considering Kurdish factions a threat to its national security.
Concerns are increasing about the implications of the dispute over prison administration on security stability in the region, especially with ISIS's continued attempts to reorganize and exploit any potential security gaps.
Levant-Reuters
