Archive – Archive image of a US Army F-15/E aircraft – Europa Press/Contacts/Mrs. Viviam Chiu/US Air
Follow the latest news on the war in syria live
The United States Army central Command announced a wave of attacks carried out this Sunday against 75 Islamic State targets in central Syria, a few hours after the fall of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, to prevent the reconstitution of the organization jihadist in this chaotic moment.
CENTCOM describes a wave of attacks against “leaders, agents and factions of the Islamic State” with the aim that the organization, still active in syria, “does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute itself in the center of the country.”
“The operation attacked more than 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s and A-10s,” added CENTCOM, wich currently says it has no record of casualties civilians.
CENTCOM commander general Michael Kurilla warned in the same statement that the United States will take similar action “against all organizations in Syria that associate with the Islamic State or support it in any way.”
A few minutes before this declaration, the President of the United States, joe Biden, had already announced in a public appearance the start of these attacks as the first measure of the American reaction to the fall of Al assad.
“We are clear that the Islamic State will seek to take advantage of any gap to restore its capabilities and create a safe haven. We will not allow this to happen,” he said before confirming that US forces deployed in Syria – are in the east of the country – They will maintain their positions.
“We will remain vigilant,” Bidena warned, before recalling that “some of the rebel groups that overthrew Al Assad have a dark past of terrorism and human rights violations,” in an implicit reference to one of the main organizations involved in the offensive against Al Assad, the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al Sham.
How do the complex relationships among rebel groups complicate the U.S. strategy in Syria?
Interview with Dr. Emily carter, middle eastern Affairs Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. The recent wave of attacks by the United States against Islamic State positions in Syria, especially following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has been significant.Can you provide some context on the situation?
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Absolutely, it’s a critical moment in the Syrian conflict. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has conducted over 75 airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) factions in a bid to prevent the group from exploiting the instability in central Syria. This is a clear signal that the U.S. intends to maintain its influence and counter-terror measures amid the shifting power dynamics in the region.
TNE: what do you think are the immediate implications of these attacks?
EC: The immediate implication is to thwart any reconstitution of IS in Syria.The group has been significantly weakened in recent years but still possesses the capability to regroup if left unchecked. CENTCOM’s strategy indicates a proactive approach to prevent IS from creating a safe haven, which would have vast repercussions on regional security and U.S. interests in the Middle East.
TNE: President Biden emphasized that the U.S. forces will remain vigilant. How critically important is this vigilance moving forward?
EC: Vigilance is crucial. The U.S. must navigate a complex landscape where various factions, some with troubling pasts, are operating. By maintaining a presence and actively conducting operations against groups associated with IS, the U.S. can help stabilize the region. However, they also need to be cautious about alliances with rebel groups that have histories of human rights violations.
TNE: Can you elaborate on the concerns surrounding the rebel groups involved in the offensive against al-Assad?
EC: Yes, certain elements within the opposition to al-Assad, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have been linked to extremist ideologies and past acts of terrorism.Biden’s reference to this complicates the U.S.’s role as a supporter of moderate opposition forces. The challenge lies in identifying which groups can be trusted without unintentionally empowering factions that could become threats in the future.
TNE: Looking at this situation from a broader outlook, what advice would you offer to policymakers?
EC: Policymakers should prioritize a balanced approach that combines military action with diplomatic efforts. Engaging with local communities and building alliances with credible opposition groups will be essential in fostering long-term stability. additionally, addressing humanitarian needs in conflict-affected areas can definitely help undermine IS’s narrative and influence.
TNE: As the situation develops, what key aspects should the public and interested parties monitor?
EC: it’s critically important to keep an eye on the effectiveness of U.S. airstrikes and ground operations in dismantling IS territory. Stakeholders should also watch the political landscape; any shifts in rebel control and the potential for IS resurgence are critical indicators. humanitarian developments can significantly impact public perception and support for U.S. involvement in Syria.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter,for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It is essential for our readers to understand the complexities of the conflict in Syria and the role of international actors like the United States.
EC: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to continue discussing these developments and thier implications for global security.