Ex-U.S. official warns of risks in withdrawing troops from north Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton issued on Friday a stark warning regarding the potential dangers of U.S. troops withdrawing from northern Syria.
Turkey’s threats to initiate a military operation in northeastern Syria have escalated, particularly since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
In an interview with Al-Hurra TV Channel, Bolton emphasized that such an operation, if carried out, would be a significant setback for the Kurdish population, especially in light of growing concerns about the Islamic State (ISIS) militants escaping from prisons under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Bolton also pointed out that the collapse of the al-Assad regime could further destabilize the northern region, particularly given the increasing Turkish interests in this strategic area.
The former U.S. official sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s policies, specifically his threats of a military operation in northeastern Syria.
Bolton accused Erdoğan of attempting to revive Ottoman-era ambitions and extend Turkish influence in northern Syria. He also highlighted that these actions seem to be outside the NATO framework, despite Turkey’s membership in the alliance.