Resurgence of Threats in Syria: The Looming Shadows of IS and Turkey’s Ambition

The ongoing crisis in Syria is witnessing a disturbing shift, as old adversaries like the Islamic State (IS) re-emerge, accompanied by rising tensions with Turkish forces. A recent warning from General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), underscores the escalating threat posed by IS militants and their potential resurgence. According to Abdi, the chaos following the fall of Bashar al-Assad has been a catalyst for the revitalization of IS activities, particularly in northeastern Syria, where the SDF has been heavily engaged in countering terrorism. Their operations, however, are hampered by increasing Turkish assaults, forcing the SDF to divert resources and attention away from battling IS. With many SDF fighters returning to defend their villages from these incursions, the risk of IS gaining strength and breaking into SDF-controlled prisons—where thousands of their members are detained—grows significantly. Overall, this precarious situation not only threatens regional stability but also poses a continued risk of human rights abuses and an international security crisis if not addressed adequately. As the SDF grapples with defending its territory and maintaining security, civilians are left vulnerable, with some already considering fleeing amid fears of a repeat of past cycles of violence and upheaval. The international community must pay close attention to this developing situation, as failure to act may lead to yet another humanitarian disaster in Syria.