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The role of the US military in Syria after the fall of Assad

2024-12-10 15:34:46, Kosova & Bota CNA

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime has raised concerns about what will happen in the future to US troops stationed in the war-torn country. As "Voice of America" ??Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reports, American troops have been working with allies to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State in Syria. Analysts warn of the risk of the militants of the Islamic terrorist organization breaking out of a prison camp where they are being held and spreading them not only in the region, but also in Turkey and Europe.

Residents in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad family regime that has ruled the country since 1971.

"It is impossible not to be moved by the scenes of joy and relief coming from Syria. The end of this regime is a loss for all those who enabled its barbarism and corruption, especially for Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. This moment represents a historic opportunity, but it also carries great risks," said the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

US forces continued operations against the Islamic State in central Syria, hitting 75 targets these days with warplanes. This move aims to ensure that the terrorist group will not try to take advantage of the situation.

"The real danger over the next 48 hours is if members of the Islamic State manage to get out of the Al Hol camp where they are being held as prisoners. If this happens, then thousands of militants could be dispersed not only in Syria and the Middle East, but also in Turkey and Europe", says Michael Rubin from the American Enterprise Institute.

The US military has about 900 troops in Syria to help the Syrian Democratic Forces prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State. American officials say that now, after the fall of the Assad regime, three are their main targets.

"Our soldiers and personnel are protected. We want to make sure our allies are safe. We want to make sure that there is not a humanitarian catastrophe," says Robert Wood, the US deputy ambassador to the UN.

The former Syrian president has fled to Moscow. Analysts say the fall of Syria has weakened Russia and Iran.

"They have lost Hezbollah, or at least the ability to supply it. They have lost Syria. The question now is whether they can maintain their control over the Yemeni Houthi group, or whether other states in the region, like Saudi Arabia for example, will be more aggressive seeing that a new opportunity is being created," says Michael Rubin of American Enterprise Institute.

The Pentagon says communication with allies is essential. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart about the developments in Syria. The commander of US Central Command, General Erik Kurilla, is staying in the region. He has met with Jordanian allies to discuss Syria and plans to speak with other regional allies in the coming days./ VOA