Kurdish US-allies halting anti-ISIS operations in Syria because of threat from Turkey-backed rebels, SDF commander warns

11 December 2024, 16:52 | Updated: 11 December 2024, 21:22

A top commander in Syria has warned that a resurgent ISIS is starting to take advantage of the chaotic fall of Bashar al Assad.

The lightning advance by opposition groups on Damascus has been the focus of much attention but the revolution has created power vacuums across the country.

What's happening in Syria is an opportunity but also a moment of great jeopardy.

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As the country struggles to emerge from the darkness and brutality of the Assad regime many groups are vying for position in this new reality - and it is in that space that Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is trying to gather strength.

In the northeast, the Kurds are worried about what may happen.

One of the most important figures in this region is General Abdi Mazloum, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

He is warning the West that ISIS is already trying to exploit the turmoil.

"ISIS is now stronger in the Syrian desert. Previously, they were in remote areas and hiding, but now they have greater freedom of movement since they face no issues with other groups and are not engaged in conflict with them," he tells Sky News.

He adds: "In the areas under our control, their activities have also increased. Just a few days ago, three members of the Internal Security Forces were killed near al Hassakah in an ISIS operation."

Since the civil war began, Syria has been divided into different areas of control.

Regional and international powers also held sway in certain parts - the Turks, the Russians, the Iranians and the United States.