The SDF has not received notification about U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Syria amidst rising concerns about ISIS resurgence. Speculation regarding U.S. troop presence increased after Assad’s ousting, with President Trump indicating decisions would be made soon. Erdogan has pledged support to combat both ISIS and Kurdish forces, heightening tensions in the region as the situation evolves.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced that they have not yet been informed about any plans for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami expressed concern regarding the potential implications of a U.S. withdrawal, highlighting that ISIS and other hostile factions might seize this opportunity to regain power. The SDF, which plays a vital role in combating ISIS in the region, currently controls about one-third of Syrian territory.
Recent U.S. media reports indicated that the Trump administration is considering withdrawing American forces from Syria in 30 to 90 days. When questioned about this potential troop withdrawal, President Trump stated that a decision would be made, adding that Syria presents significant challenges that do not necessitate U.S. involvement in every situation. Although he has previously suggested troop withdrawal, initial plans were halted due to internal opposition citing the threat to Kurdish allies and a potential resurgence of ISIS.
The speculation regarding U.S. troop presence has intensified following the recent removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition. The Biden administration has maintained that U.S. forces would remain in Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS after its territorial loss in 2019. The current count of U.S. military personnel in Syria stands at approximately 2,000, reflecting an increase from earlier figures of around 900 soldiers.
Discussion of the future of U.S. troops occurs amid shifting dynamics in the region, particularly after al-Assad’s ousting. Recently, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has consistently opposed al-Assad’s regime. Turkey also views certain Kurdish groups, including those forming a significant part of the SDF, as terrorist organizations, heightening tensions between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces.
Erdogan pledged to enhance Turkish efforts in combating both ISIS and Kurdish fighters, expressing gratitude to al-Sharaa for his commitment against terrorism. Al-Sharaa affirmed the intention to collaborate with Turkey, emphasizing the necessity for security and stability in the region. He criticized the SDF and declared the aim to undermine threats to territorial integrity in northeastern Syria, resisting any moves toward Kurdish self-governance.
The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. troop presence in Syria following reports of a potential withdrawal by the Trump administration. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a critical ally of the U.S. in the fight against ISIS, expressed that they have not received any notification about these plans. With the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the situation in Syria remains fluid, further complicating U.S. military involvement and its implications for regional stability.
In conclusion, the SDF’s lack of communication regarding U.S. withdrawal plans raises significant concerns about the resurgence of ISIS and the fate of Kurdish forces in Syria. As the dynamics in the region shift drastically following al-Assad’s ousting, the future of U.S. military engagement remains ambiguous. The cooperation between Turkey and the new Syrian leadership further complicates the delicate balance of power, impacting efforts to ensure stability in northeastern Syria.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
