The United States has vowed to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group (ISIS) in Syria.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken made this declaration during an event at the State Department on Monday.
Blinken said ISIS is actively seeking to rebuild its capabilities and create strongholds in the war-torn country.
“ISIS will try to use this period to reestablish its capabilities, to create safe havens,” Blinken said.
He pointed to recent precision strikes carried out by the United States over the weekend as proof of America’s resolve.
“We are determined not to let that happen,” he stressed.
The U.S. top diplomat’s statement comes amid ongoing instability in Syria.
The country remains fractured after years of civil war, which has displaced millions and created a power vacuum.
Blinken highlighted Washington’s broader goals in Syria.
He said the U.S. is committed to ensuring the country does not break apart.
“We have a clear interest in doing what we can to avoid the fragmentation of Syria, mass migrations from Syria and, of course, the export of terrorism and extremism,” he explained.
His remarks indirectly contrast with the views of President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump has previously argued that the U.S. has little at stake in Syria’s future.
Blinken, however, outlined strategic concerns that make Syria critical to U.S. interests.
One of these concerns is ensuring that weapons of mass destruction in Syria do not fall into the wrong hands.
Blinken emphasized the importance of controlling these dangerous materials.
The United States has been actively engaged in Syria for years.
It has led military operations targeting ISIS and has also provided humanitarian aid.
However, Syria’s ongoing conflict has made it difficult to achieve lasting stability.
The Islamic State group, once controlling vast territories in Syria and Iraq, has been largely defeated.
But pockets of ISIS fighters still operate in remote areas.
Experts warn that ISIS could exploit Syria’s instability to regain strength.
The recent U.S. strikes demonstrate Washington’s commitment to preventing this outcome.
“The strikes send a clear message,” a defense official was quoted as saying.
The international community continues to watch Syria closely.
The country remains a focal point for regional powers, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
These nations have conflicting interests in Syria, further complicating efforts for peace.
Blinken’s comments highlight the delicate balancing act the U.S. faces in Syria.
The Secretary of State reiterated that preventing ISIS’s return is a top priority.
“The stakes are too high to ignore,” he said.
With the transition to a new administration underway, the future of U.S. policy in Syria remains uncertain.
However, Blinken’s remarks suggest that the fight against ISIS will remain a central focus.
For Syrians, the struggle for stability and peace is far from over.
The U.S., Blinken assures, will continue its efforts to prevent further chaos.
“This is about protecting not just Syria, but the entire region and beyond,” he concluded.
