General Michael Erik Kurilla of U.S. CENTCOM met with SDF leadership to discuss the rising threat of ISIS in northeast Syria amid ongoing conflict with Turkish-backed forces. Kurilla emphasized the need for international repatriation efforts to mitigate the risks posed by camps housing IS detainees. The meeting highlighted the U.S. role in facilitating ceasefires and addressing regional security challenges.
On Thursday, General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, convened with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leadership to address the ongoing threats posed by the Islamic State (IS) in northeast Syria, as announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Alongside Major General Kevin Leahy and Brigadier General Michael Brooks, both involved in anti-IS operations, General Kurilla’s visit highlighted concerns regarding the proliferation of IS fighters in the region.
CENTCOM also reported that General Kurilla toured camps housing IS fighters and their families, such as al-Hol and al-Roj, which collectively harbor around 40,000 individuals. CENTCOM’s statement stressed that, without efforts for international repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, these camps risk becoming breeding grounds for a new generation of ISIS, particularly as the SDF currently detains 9,000 members of IS.
During an eight-day mission, General Kurilla not only visited Syria but also Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan. The U.S. has been increasingly apprehensive about the presence of IS fighters in northeast Syria, especially amidst ongoing hostilities between the Kurdish-led SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) since December.
SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed his meeting with U.S. officials and acknowledged the pivotal role the U.S. played in facilitating a ceasefire. He stated, “We reaffirm the importance of strengthening partnerships and the critical role of the U.S. in achieving a permanent ceasefire in northeast Syria and ensuring security and stability across the entire country.”
The conflict in northeast Syria has intensified since SNA’s offensive to capture Manbij in mid-December, with persistent clashes observed, particularly around Tishreen Dam. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that approximately 400 fatalities have occurred since the violence erupted.
Turkey has exerted pressure on various Syrian factions and the international community regarding the socio-political climate of northeast Syria, which it views as a sanctuary for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), with which it has been in conflict for decades. This geopolitical tension prompted discussions between Commander Abdi and former Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani, focusing on intra-Kurdish relations and the evolving situation in Syria.
Moreover, representatives from the SDF have engaged with Syria’s transitional government under Ahmed al-Sharaa, aiming to facilitate the integration of the SDF and northeast territories into a cohesive Syrian state and defense apparatus.
The meeting between U.S. CENTCOM leaders and the SDF emerges against the backdrop of significant fighting in northeast Syria. Since mid-December, tensions have escalated due to military actions by the Syrian National Army against the SDF, intensifying concerns regarding the presence of IS. The geopolitical implications, including Turkey’s objectives, further complicate the region’s stability. These discussions may influence both local security and broader U.S. interests in curbing extremism.
The meeting between U.S. CENTCOM and SDF leaders underscores the critical situation in northeast Syria, where ongoing conflict intertwines with the threat of the Islamic State. The discussions highlighted the necessity of international cooperation in repatriation and stabilization efforts to prevent the resurgence of extremism. Continued engagement between U.S. forces and local leaders is vital for fostering stability in the region amidst mounting tensions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
