Envoy: US completed 99% of ISIS mission in Syria, focus on regional security

American forces have accomplished 99 per cent of their mission to dismantle the terrorist group ISIS in Syria, according to Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria.

Barrack highlighted that the United States’ presence in Syria focuses on maintaining regional security rather than governing the country, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The diplomat emphasised that the core purpose of the US military and political engagement in Syria is to safeguard the local population and eliminate terrorist threats.

He clarified that President Trump’s objective is not to take over the Syrian government, but rather to support its continued existence. Barrack illustrated this by saying, “A good way to think about it — we want to be the dessert, the baklava,” implying a supportive rather than a leading role.

Regarding ongoing peace talks between Syria and Israel, Barrack stated that America’s role is to initiate dialogue. He suggested that a practical first step toward peace could be an agreement on non-aggression, which could be followed by negotiations over shared borders.

By Tamilla Hasanova