Assad’s fall clears way for expanded US strikes on IS jihadists

Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow has allowed for increased US strikes against the Islamic State group in areas previously protected by Syrian and Russian air defenses, with Washington hitting over 75 IS targets to prevent their resurgence following Assad’s fall. Despite the improved access for US military action, there is concern that IS militants could exploit the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure, potentially leading to a resurgence of the group in a post-Assad Syria. The United States, with around 900 troops in eastern Syria, may see changes in its military presence under President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to withdraw American forces from the region, altering US counterterrorism strategy in the Middle East.

Full Article