Pentagon chief warns: We must keep foot on ISIS's throat in Syria

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining US troop presence in Syria to safeguard security, particularly in detention camps housing tens of thousands of former ISIS fighters and their families. 

Austin’s remarks, made to the US media, highlighted the importance of securing these camps, where an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 ISIS militants are detained, with approximately 2,000 considered extremely dangerous, Caliber.Az reports.

"If Syria is left undefended, I think ISIL militants will return to the mainstream," Austin warned. "I think we still have work to do to keep our foot on ISIL's throat." He emphasized that US forces have a critical role in preventing ISIS from regaining strength and becoming a dominant threat again.

Austin also discussed the ongoing formation of Syria's transitional government, noting that the situation remains fluid. He pointed out that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have been US allies in the fight against ISIS, might eventually be integrated into the Syrian military. 

"At some point, the Syrian Democratic Forces may well be absorbed by the Syrian military. And then Syria will own all the camps (ISIS content) and hopefully keep them under control," Austin said. However, he emphasized that for now, the US must continue to protect its interests in the region.

To fight ISIS in Syria, the United States has deployed about 2,000 military personnel, which is much more than the 900, the total number of which has been claimed by officials for years.

The continued presence of US troops was put into question after a lightning insurgency ousted Assad on December 8, ending his family’s decades-long rule.

By Tamilla Hasanova