ISIS could exploit Assad’s fall, warns Pentagon Chief
Photo: Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin (Getty Images)
The international terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) may take advantage of the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, states US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, according to CNN.
As Pentagon Chief noted, the collapse of the Assad regime came as a surprise to the "entire international community." However, he cautioned that ISIS might take advantage of this moment of instability.
"I think everybody expected to see a much more stiff resistance from Assad’s forces. In terms of what has transpired, of course, as this unfolds there’s a potential that elements in the area such as ISIS could try to take advantage of this opportunity and regain capability," Austin remarked.
He also mentioned the US strikes on ISIS targets, stating that while Washington is still assessing their impact, preliminary results are expected to be "pretty successful."
Assad regime falls in Syria
Recently, intense clashes erupted in Syria involving the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, factions of the Syrian National Army, and Assad's forces.
The rebels’ primary goal was the overthrow of Assad's regime and the "building of a new Syria."
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recently decided to cede power, unable to withstand the growing insurgent forces despite support from Russia and Iran.
The Syrian capital, Damascus, has been seized by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, is expected to become the new leader of Syria.
Read about why the Assad regime collapsed so quickly and what will happen to Syria in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
