The new landscape of Syria is marred by the re-emergence of old threats, particularly the Islamic State (IS). General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, warns that the resurgence of IS is already underway.
“The activity of IS has surged significantly, and the threat level has doubled,” General Abdi stated. He cited intelligence reports indicating that IS militants have captured arms and ammunition previously abandoned by Syrian regime forces.
Concerns are mounting about the IS’s attempts to infiltrate SDF-run prisons, which currently hold about 10,000 IS detainees. The SDF also oversees around 50,000 family members of IS fighters in surrounding camps.
General Abdi expressed weariness at the prospect of reliving past conflicts, despite his relief at the fall of the Assad regime, which had detained him multiple times.
Over the course of the conflict, the SDF has lost approximately 12,000 fighters in their battle against IS. Abdi noted that ongoing hostilities with Turkey have forced the SDF to reallocate resources, distracting from counter-terrorism efforts against IS.
“The primary threat is now Turkey, which is conducting airstrikes that are directly impacting our operations and security,” he emphasized.
Al-Sina, the largest prison for IS detainees, is heavily fortified, with tight security measures in place. With approximately 5,000 men incarcerated, the tension among prison staff is palpable.
All cell doors are secured with heavy locks, and guards are on high alert. In rare conditions, glimpses of the cells reveal men sitting silently, some attempting to engage with their surroundings.
A 28-year-old detainee shared his journey from Australia to Syria, expressing trepidation about discussing his past activities. He hopes for a future return to Australia, albeit uncertain about his welcome.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent Roj camp, home to nearly 3,000 women and children linked to IS, a sense of hope is stirring. Some believe that recent political changes might signal a chance for freedom.
Women in the camp express desires for freedom, with one mother hoping for relocation to Russia, the only nation reportedly willing to accept them.
Amidst detainment, fears of IS’s potential resurgence loom large. The environment is described as deceptively calm, with residents allegedly preparing for a return to their previous affiliations.
The anxiety is not limited to camp residents; Kurdish civilians in surrounding areas are also preparing to flee, fearing IS resurgence and potential Turkish military actions.
Calls for urgent international intervention continue as civilians grapple with constant threats, seeking assurances for their safety amidst the turmoil.
