The US has carried out massive airstrikes on Islamic State militants in Syria, targeting around 75 groups as part of a bid to prevent the militant group from regaining control over the country.
The US military wants to ensure that the Islamic State group, which still has a presence in Syria, does not step into the leadership void left by President Bashar Assad’s government. The strikes were also aimed at sending a message to the group and preventing it from re-establishing its capabilities.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that ISIS will try to use the chaos to re-establish its capabilities, but said the US is determined not to let that happen through precision strikes.
The US has about 900 troops in Syria, with a focus on keeping those already present safe. The country’s interests in Syria include defeating IS, disrupting Iranian-backed groups and containing remnants of al-Qaida.
Russia and Iran have significant presences in Syria, which has created competing interests and increased the risk of instability. The US maintains deconfliction lines with Russia to avoid troop miscalculations on the ground or in the air.
The US strike was seen as a counterattack against IS camps in the desert, where fighters found safe haven following the Assad government’s downfall. US officials say that while the group is weaker than in 2014, it still maintains thousands of militants in Syria.
The Biden administration insists on not getting involved in Syria’s war or the overthrow of the Assad government, but has deep interests in the country, including efforts to defeat IS and disrupt Iranian-backed groups. Experts warn that this may lead to more instability and potential for more political violence.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-airstrikes-in-syria-meant-to-prevent-islamic-state-from-taking-power-in-leadership-void