The Kurdish-led SDF has not been notified of U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Syria, amid rising concerns about ISIS resurgence. Reports indicate the Trump administration is considering withdrawal timelines of 30, 60, or 90 days. This comes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad and amid changing alliances in the region, particularly between Turkey and the new Syrian interim leadership.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have stated they have not received any notification regarding a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, despite reports suggesting that plans for such a withdrawal are being prepared by the U.S. military. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami expressed concerns about the ramifications of a U.S. exit, particularly the potential resurgence of ISIS and other regional threats.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is considering a troop withdrawal within the next 30, 60, or 90 days. President Trump recently commented on the situation, indicating that the U.S. involvement in Syria was complicated and that a decision would be forthcoming. Historically, he has promoted an ‘America First’ policy, advocating for reduced military engagement abroad.
The speculation surrounding U.S. troop presence has intensified following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining U.S. troops in Syria, acknowledging that such a presence is vital to preventing a resurgence of ISIS, which lost significant territory in 2019.
Current U.S. troop levels in Syria are reported to be about 2,000, an increase from previous counts of approximately 900. The U.S. first deployed forces to Syria in 2014, with the ongoing mission to combat ISIS in partnership with local allies. The Trump administration has reiterated its goal to target ISIS fighters continually across the region, although challenges have arisen due to funding cuts affecting Kurdish forces’ operational capabilities.
The changing dynamics in the region post-Assad’s removal have prompted significant diplomatic movements, including a meeting between HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey has historically opposed Assad and has also viewed several Kurdish factions, including those allied with the SDF, as threats, intensifying hostilities between these groups.
During their press conference, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to combating both ISIS and Kurdish militants. Al-Sharaa expressed intentions to enhance collaboration with Turkey, underscoring shared objectives to achieve stability in the area. He also pointedly rejected Kurdish self-rule, urging the SDF to disarm and integrate into the national governance framework.
The developments concerning the SDF and U.S. military presence in Syria unfold against a backdrop of shifting power dynamics following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The SDF has played a crucial role alongside U.S. forces in the fight against ISIS since 2014. The situation remains complex as various factions within Syria vie for control, while international support shifts based on evolving strategic interests, notably that of the United States and Turkey. The withdrawal of U.S. forces could have significant implications for ISIL’s activities and Kurdish stability in the region.
In summary, the SDF has not been informed of a U.S. troop withdrawal plan, heightening concerns over ISIS’s revival and regional stability. President Trump’s administration is reportedly drafting plans for troop withdrawal, with President Trump asserting the need for a reassessment of U.S. involvement in Syria. Meanwhile, Turkish and newly appointed Syrian leadership dynamics signal increased tensions with Kurdish forces, presenting a complex scenario for U.S. policy in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
