Biden orders airstrikes on ISIS in Syria amid uncertainty following overthrow of al-Assad

Amid growing uncertainty in Syria following the rapid overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the United States has bombed sites controlled by the Islamic State (ISIS) as President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to recalibrate its strategy in the country.

The US is facing a complex situation, as the rebels who have ousted al-Assad and forced him into exile in Russia are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with al-Qaeda ties and also listed as a terrorist organization.

While celebrating the fall of al-Assad, Biden acknowledged the “risk and uncertainty” in Syria and the initial US response. “Just today, US forces conducted a dozen precision airstrikes within Syria targeting ISIS camps and operatives,” he said, emphasizing that the US would not allow ISIS to take advantage of the power vacuum. However, he also noted the dilemma, saying, “Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.”

The end of al-Assad’s 14-year rule, Biden stated, presents “a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” though it also brings significant risks.

Syria’s proximity to Iraq, Turkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel creates a volatile environment, with about 200 Indian peacekeepers stationed on the Syria-Israel border as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). The US has deployed around 1,000 troops in areas outside al-Assad’s control, mostly working with Kurdish rebels fighting ISIS.

Biden confirmed that US troops would remain in Syria and that detention facilities for ISIS fighters would continue to operate. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported over 75 airstrikes targeting ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps as part of ongoing efforts to weaken and defeat ISIS. General Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, warned that any group in Syria supporting or partnering with ISIS would be held accountable.

Biden also took credit for the weakening of al-Assad’s supporters—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—thanks to US assistance to Ukraine and Israel, leading to the fall of al-Assad’s regime. “Their support collapsed because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office,” Biden said.

Despite the success against al-Assad’s regime, questions remain about the future of HTS and the treatment of non-Sunni Muslims, including Shias, Alawites, and Christians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that while the US is observing the statements made by rebel leaders, their actions will be closely scrutinized as they take on more responsibility.

Biden also expressed concern that the upheaval in Syria could spill over into neighboring countries. “We will help them should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Turkey, a NATO member, has its own interests in Syria, especially regarding the Kurdish minority, which the US supports but which Turkey opposes due to its conflict with Kurdish separatists within its own borders. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed these issues with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler, stressing the importance of coordination to avoid risks to US forces and the ongoing mission to defeat ISIS.