US to Maintain Presence in Eastern Syria to Prevent ISIS Resurgence

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in eastern Syria, ensuring that the Islamic State (ISIS) does not re-emerge as a regional or global threat. This statement was made by Daniel Shapiro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, following significant political shifts in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

As Syrian rebels declared Damascus "free" from Assad’s rule on December 8, Shapiro emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians, particularly minority groups, and adhering to international norms. The U.S. remains focused on preventing ISIS from regrouping in the power vacuum created by Assad's collapse.

Reports indicate that former Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali will oversee government institutions in Damascus until a formal transfer of power is arranged.

Meanwhile, the US military also launched a series of airstrikes on Sunday targeting the Islamic State (ISIS) in central Syria. Over 75 ISIS targets were struck by American warplanes, including B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 attack planes. These strikes targeted key ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps, aiming to dismantle the group's operations in the region.

In addition to the strikes against ISIS, the Biden administration is also focusing on securing and destroying chemical weapons that were once under the control of the Assad regime. A senior official confirmed that the US is working alongside its Middle Eastern allies to ensure that these dangerous materials, such as chlorine and more advanced chemical agents, do not fall into the wrong hands. The official emphasized that efforts are being made to secure these weapons to prevent their use by hostile groups or nations in the region.

While the US has not disclosed the specific countries involved in these operations, the collaborative effort is aimed at minimizing the risks posed by chemical weapons in the wake of Syria's political collapse.

The fall of Assad’s regime has attracted global attention. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions with Turkish officials regarding regional security.

This major shift in Syria’s political landscape carries broader implications for regional stability and international security. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed his interest in negotiating a ceasefire, focusing on diplomatic solutions as Syria moves toward a new era.