The United States will maintain its presence in eastern Syria and take necessary steps to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel Shapiro.
His statement, reported by Reuters, comes amid significant developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Speaking shortly after Syrian rebels announced the capture of Damascus and declared the capital “free” from Assad’s rule on December 8, Shapiro called for the protection of civilians, particularly minority groups, and urged adherence to international norms.
“We remain focused on ensuring that ISIS cannot regroup and pose a threat again, either regionally or globally,” Shapiro stated, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. involvement in stabilizing the region.
Rebel forces in Damascus announced that government institutions would remain under the oversight of former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali until a formal transfer of power is arranged. Reports indicate that Assad fled Damascus by air, with his whereabouts currently unknown. Al-Jalali admitted he is unaware of Assad’s location.
The fall of Assad’s regime has drawn international attention. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring developments in Syria. Additionally, U.S. and Turkish defense ministers discussed the evolving situation and regional security issues in a phone call on Sunday.
The shift in Syria’s political landscape has broader implications for regional stability and international security. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed a desire to negotiate a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions in the aftermath of Assad’s departure.
The next steps in Syria will likely shape the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, with the U.S. reiterating its commitment to preventing extremist groups from exploiting the power vacuum. Shapiro’s remarks underline Washington’s resolve to protect its interests and support stability in the region.
