US: "We Will Not Allow IS Safe Havens in Syria"

"Designation as a Rebel Terrorist Group Depends on Actions"

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken warned on the 9th (local time) that the United States will not allow the extremist terrorist group Islamic State (IS) to rebuild a sanctuary in Syria.

In a speech at the Anti-Corruption Advocates Awards ceremony held in Washington DC that day, Secretary Blinken said regarding the collapse of the Syrian al-Assad regime, "IS will use this time to reestablish its capabilities and create a sanctuary," adding, "We will not allow that to happen."

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Secretary Blinken stated, "We are paying close attention to what we can do to prevent the fragmentation of Syria, mass migration from Syria, and the export of terrorism and extremism," and emphasized, "(The U.S.) is focused on ensuring that no weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or their components remain in Syria to fall into the hands of bad actors."

Regarding the collapse of the al-Assad regime, he added, "The end of this regime is a defeat for all those who enabled its barbarity and corruption, especially Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia," and said, "This moment presents a historic opportunity but also carries significant risks."

Recently, in Syria, rebel forces have captured the capital Damascus, and President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia.

Meanwhile, at a briefing that day, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said about the possibility of direct U.S. military intervention in Syria, "Difficult decisions must be made regarding direct military intervention," explaining, "Because the outcomes of direct U.S. military involvement, whether short-term or long-term, often outweigh the benefits it might provide."

Regarding the possibility of designating Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which leads the Syrian rebel forces, as a terrorist organization, he said that designation is not currently under review but could be possible in the future. He stated, "Policy responses will be determined based on their actions."

According to CNN, on the same day, U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the Syrian issue during a call with King Abdullah of Jordan. Also, this week, Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, is scheduled to visit Israel to discuss a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, during which the Syrian issue will also be discussed.