Syria's unrest ignites fears of Islamic State resurgence
The situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime sets the stage for the potential return of the Islamic State. According to the BBC, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, warns of increased Islamic State activity and the threat of prison breakouts.
The chaos in Syria after al-Assad's regime has created conditions favourable to the resurgence of the Islamic State. Mazloum Abdi highlighted in an interview with the BBC that Islamic State activity has risen significantly. "Activity by Daesh [IS] has increased significantly, and the danger of a resurgence had doubled," the Kurdish general cautioned.
He noted the growing opportunities for such a resurgence, particularly as the militants have seized some of the weapons left behind by the Syrian army.
According to Abdi, there is a considerable threat that Islamic State could attempt to free around 10,000 of its members from prisons in northeastern Syria. Approximately 50,000 of their family members are also in internment camps.
Intelligence reports indicate that Islamic State militants have acquired some of the weapons and ammunition abandoned by the Syrian regime's forces.
The general emphasized that the Turkish offensive contributes to the revival of IS. Ankara views the People's Protection Units in Syria as an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), whose militants have been fighting the Turkish state for 40 years. Turkey, along with the armed groups it supports, is attacking the Kurdish city of Kobane.
The SDF has had to redirect some forces for defense, thereby delaying anti-terrorism operations targeting the Islamic State. Many prison guards have returned home to protect their villages, the BBC explains.
"The number one threat is now Turkey because its airstrikes are killing our forces. These attacks must stop, because they are distracting us from focusing on the security of the detention centres," said General Abdi.
The risk of the Islamic State's return was also discussed by Iraq's Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, in a conversation with Hamish Falconer, the UK government's Minister for the Middle East and North Africa. He warned that the situation in the prisons and on the front could affect security in both Syria and Iraq.
Syria has been embroiled in a bitter conflict for years. After nearly 24 years of rule, Bashar al-Assad was forced to depart Damascus. He described his escape to Moscow as a decision made under duress, citing circumstances that demanded it.
Assad mentioned an "intensified drone attack" that compelled his evacuation, leaving the country in chaos. This was confirmed by a series of riots and attacks that erupted immediately following his departure.
