U.S. Congressman Warns Damascus Against Threats to Kurds and ISIS Detention Facilities

Yahoo News

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer has issued a strong warning to the Syrian government on Friday, cautioning that recent sanctions relief should not be misinterpreted amid escalating tensions in Syria.

“Let me be clear: the Syrian government should not misread U.S. sanctions relief,” Gottheimer said on X, stressing that Washington’s position remains firmly tied to security and human rights conditions on the ground.

He warned that any actions threatening the security of ISIS detention facilities, Kurdish partners, or ethnic minorities would have serious consequences. “Any threat to prisons that hold ISIS prisoners, the security of our vital Kurdish allies, or the safety of ethnic minorities violates the repeal of Caesar sanctions,” he stated.

Gottheimer called on Damascus to immediately halt its military advances, warning that failure to do so could prompt renewed punitive measures. “Damascus must halt its advances immediately — or risk new crushing sanctions,” he said.

The congressman’s remarks come amid heightened concern in Washington over stability in northern and eastern Syria, particularly regarding the safety of detention centres holding ISIS members and the protection of Kurdish-led forces who played a central role in defeating the extremist group.

U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasised that continued cooperation with local partners and the protection of vulnerable communities remain core conditions of any engagement with the Syrian government.

Earlier in the day, Senator Lindsey Graham has warned of the dangers of withdrawing American forces from Syria, stressing strong bipartisan concern in the U.S. Senate over the country’s worsening instability and the potential resurgence of ISIS.

In a statement on X, Graham said there is “strong and growing bipartisan interest in the U.S. Senate regarding the deteriorating situation in Syria,” noting that lawmakers from both parties are closely monitoring developments on the ground.

He emphasised the responsibility of the United States to protect Kurdish forces and other local partners who played a decisive role in defeating ISIS, stating: “There is strong consensus that we must protect the Kurds who were there for us in destroying the ISIS caliphate, as well as many other groups.”

Graham underlined that the Senate has concrete authority to influence policy, signalling possible legislative action in the coming period. “The powers of the Senate are real. Stay tuned,” he said.

Addressing security concerns, the senator argued that a continued US presence remains essential to preventing the re-emergence of extremist groups. “A small footprint of Americans working with locals is an insurance policy against the reemergence of ISIS and an attack on our homeland,” Graham stated.

Calling for a reassessment of Washington’s Syria policy, he added: “I believe it’s time for a new approach and new eyes on Syria. I am confident that many senators – on both sides of the aisle – share my concerns about the implications of withdrawal when Syria is so unstable.”



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