Autonomous-Administration warns Caesar Act may give ISIS opportunity to return

North-Press Agency

On Thursday, the Autonomous-Administration of North and East Syria warned of the possibility of the Islamic State (ISIS) returning to Syria and the world if the implementation of the Caesar Act affects its regions starting in June.

In a statement issued today, the administration asked the Global Coalition, the international community, and international organizations to prevent its regions from being affected by the Caesar Act.

"With these imposed sanctions, there will be opportunities for ISIS to regroup, and the threat will return to Syria and the whole world," it said.

It added that "the imposition of sanctions will directly affect these regions and the fight against terrorism,” noting that “it may lead to negative effects and major problems,”

In January 2019, the US House of Representatives endorsed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act or "Caesar Act," which imposes 10-year sanctions against the Syrian government and the countries supporting it, such as Iran and Russia.

In early May, US Envoy to Syria James Jeffrey announced that the law is scheduled to be implemented in June.

The Autonomous Administration blamed the Damascus government for “the effects of the ongoing crisis, for its adherence to the violence and the rejection of Syrian dialogue and harmony. They administration pointed out that the American sanctions imposed on Syria are intended to force the regime to accept a political process in Syria," according to what was reported.

A senior US State Department official who preferred to remain anonymous told North-Press that the Caesar Act does not include or affect areas that are not under the control of Damascus.