After ISIS was declared defeated in 2019, concerns about its resurgence have grown, particularly in the wake of increased attacks targeting the SDF.
The SDF, a Kurdish-led coalition, reported that five of its soldiers were killed in attacks by Turkish-backed forces in northern Syria, according to Reuters. These attacks follow the apparent collapse of a cease-fire agreement brokered by the Biden administration.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns over the return of ISIS, describing it as his “single biggest concern.” He noted that “ISIS loves vacuums,” referring to the group’s ability to exploit ungoverned areas, particularly in regions destabilized by the fall of the Assad regime. Sullivan emphasized the importance of supporting the SDF to prevent ISIS from regaining power.
The U.S. has long had to balance its support for the SDF, which Turkey views as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), with its alliance with NATO partner Turkey. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlighted that Turkey seeks to destroy the SDF and is likely to escalate its attacks in the current environment.
The Biden administration has recently ramped up efforts against ISIS, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducting strikes on over 75 ISIS-related sites earlier this month. CENTCOM also confirmed the killing of an ISIS leader, Abu Yusif, in a precision airstrike in eastern Syria.
Despite ongoing operations against ISIS, there are growing concerns that increased attacks from Turkish-backed forces could strain the SDF’s ability to focus on counterterrorism efforts. This situation poses challenges for the incoming Trump administration, which will need to address the ISIS threat while managing complex relations with Turkey.
Trump-Vance Transition spokesperson Brian Hughes stated, “President Trump is committed to diminishing threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and to protecting Americans here at home.”
