The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has created a dangerous security vacuum that threatens the return of ISIS to the global stage, according to warnings from experts.

Concerns have grown about the stability of the prisons run by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, which hold over 10,000 individuals suspected of belonging to ISIS, many of whom are not charged.

Hidden Threat

The makeshift prisons, sometimes referred to as "little Guantanamos," have always been vulnerable to attacks, and counter-terrorism experts have repeatedly warned about their dangers.

In 2022, ISIS carried out an organized attack on the Ghweiran prison in Hasaka, resulting in the deaths of 150 Kurdish soldiers and the escape of 400 prominent ISIS fighters.

The Ready Army

Experts warn that the thousands of detainees in these prisons could constitute a ready army for ISIS, bolstering its strength amid the chaos.

In a conversation with W5, Canadian security analyst Phil Gursky said:

“If ISIS has the chance to free its members from prisons, they will seize it. The current chaos makes the region perfectly poised for increased terrorist activity.”

International Reactions

The United States conducted intense airstrikes targeting 75 ISIS positions in the Syrian desert on Sunday, in an attempt to curb the organization's influence amid the chaos. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed America’s commitment to preventing the return of ISIS.

Critical Moment

As political unrest in Syria escalates, experts warn that the world may witness a new wave of terrorism if decisive action is not taken.