The image, published by the Home Office Syrian, it was a demonstration to the world: four handcosed men captured on the outskirts of Damascus. After them, as proof, several phones, two assault riflesthree packages of explosives and several hand grenades. The detainees – his capture occurred in mid -January – were members of the Islamic State (EI) in Syriaand its arrest occurred thanks to something new, communication and coordination between the new Syrian administration and USAthat officially does not recognize the new Masters of Damascus or be dealing with them; Although I do.
Since then, this type of operations against the group – in coordination with Washington– They have continued. Since the fall in December last year of the Asad regime, the IS in Syria is weaker than ever.
“In 2024, the IS lived a resurgence In Syria, and led an average of 60 attacks per month. But since the fall of Asad, the average is in 12 attacks, “he explains Charles ListerSyrian expert of the think tank Middle East Institute. “There are several reasons that explain this change, such as growing coordination between the US and Damascus. But this new dynamic will be fleeting if the new reality of Syria is not managed well. The total defeat of the IS will only be achieved if the transition of Syria is successful: with the formation of a government that represents the diversity of the country; With one economy that can breathe and leave back the international sanctions and with foreign investment, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country. If this does not happen, the IS can be renewed and grow again, “he adds.
Fields and prisons
Of all this, without a doubt, the big question is the future of the fields of the IS in eastern Syria, Al where y To rojwhere they currently live locked up near 10,000 men accused to be combatants of the jihadist group and 40,000 women and children. All of them were captured by the Kurdosirias militias during the last battles against the EI, in 2019.
Las Syrian democratic forces (FDS)the coalition of the Sirius led by the Kurdish militias, announced last month an agreement for its dissolution and integration in the new Syrian administration at the end of this 2025. The future of these fields – and of the close ones 2,000 American soldiers that still protect the FDS – is completely in the air.
“The situation in these fields is not sustainable. FDS have managed these places poorly, and these fields can end up serving as gestation places of the next generations of the IS. We need Reintegration and deradication reimbursementand more important, justice“He points out Omer Ozkizilcikassociate researcher of think tank United States Atlantic Council.
“But that is not the only threat generated by IS. The group still has a presence in the areas of the Syrian desertand there the fight against the IS is not possible without Intelligence and Air Surveillance. The Syrian army does not have the ability to do so. Therefore Türkiye It now seeks to fill this hole, and send drones and combat fighters in the area, to provide air support and surveillance in the region, “continues the Turkish expert.
A new pattern
Türkiye announced it last week: Ankara It will lead a new one Regional Coalition formed by Türkiye, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria herself to captain from now on the fight against IS in Syria and take that role to the US and her previous Interconional coalitionconsisting mainly by countries of the Take.
Türkiye, with the fall of Asad and the arrival in power of the ancient Syrian rebel militia, has become the Great new pattern from his neighboring country. “Türkiye leads this new regional coalition because, one sees the IS as an obvious threat to its national security. But above all, Türkiye wants the US to leave Syria and leave the FDS. For this, Türkiye must convince Washington that there is another force capable of dealing with the IS. [El presidente turco, Recep Tayyip] Erdogan básically proposes them to Trump: ‘Syrian salt, which we take care of’ “, explains Özkizilcik.
The strategy seems to be working. Trump, in several statements to the press, has praised the role of Türkiye in the defeat of the Asad regime. Israelis media, citing sources from their own government, ensure that Washington has confirmed Tel AvivUS’s great ally in Near Eastthat Americans will begin to leave the Syrian country in the coming months.
“With the fall of Assad and regional support to the new Syria, the need for an American military presence on the land to counteract the IS has been significantly reduced,” says Lister. “However, a premature withdrawal It would be a serious mistake. The United States now has an opportunity to hit the IFR Irreversibly. “
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