MI6 Veteran Warns of IS Rise as Assad’s Regime Collapses
Sir Alex Younger, former chief of British intelligence, has sounded a stark warning: the ousting of Bashar al‑Assad could spark a “serious spike” in threats from the Islamic State (IS).
What’s Really Happening?
Last Sunday, Assad and his family fled to Moscow— a move that some see as a sign of the regime’s unraveling. Meanwhile, thousands of IS fighters are currently held in detention facilities across Syria. Younger fears that if the Kurdish forces guarding these prisons lose their grip, the militants could engineer a breakout.
Key Points
- Thousands of IS Combatants in Detention: They’re spread across various Syrian jails, and security concerns are mounting.
- Potential Escape Scenario: Kurdish captors might “go off the job,” increasing the risk of a mass release.
- Historical Insight: “Attempts to impose change from outside won’t work,” he says, reminding us that history has shown such measures often backfire.
Why It Matters
With Assad’s fall, a power vacuum could open the door for IS to regroup, pose new threats, and destabilize the already fragile region. Sir Alex’s caution underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and robust security measures to prevent a surge in insurgent activity.
For now, the world watches how this complex situation unfolds and whether the international community can maintain control over those who might otherwise decide to break free and wreak havoc again.
Russia withdraws warships and weapons from Syria ending ‘Moscow’s only military foothold in the Mediterranean’
Russia and Iran’s weaknesses exposed amid the collapse of the Syrian regime
Priti Patel says UK needs to ‘look very carefully how we respond’ to the unfolding situation in Syria
The Syrian Regime’s Collapse: A Wake‑up Call for Russia’s Allies
In the whirlwind that ended the brutal Syrian regime, a clear message emerged: power isn’t unbeatable.
Let Syrians Shape Their Future
“This is a truly Syrian future, and it’s up to Syrians to decide the direction,” a prominent commentator said. “We should support any step that moves Syria towards a kinder, brighter tomorrow.”
Future Fears: The It‑Was‑Call‑It‑Now‑Problem of ISIS
- Hundreds of former ISIS prisoners now sit under Kurdish care in the east. If they’re suddenly released, Europe could see a spike in lone‑wolf attacks.
- Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, warned that “those who slipped through Assad’s prison doors could ignite serious threats.” He questioned whether a weakened Daesh structure could fuel solitary extremists instead of an organized plot.
Chemical Weapons: A Race‑Against‑Time
Hamish De Bretton‑Gordon, speaking to Sky News, urged the UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to act fast. He champions a swift entry into Syria to destroy the Assad‑borne stockpiles before they fall into the wrong hands.
His key points:
- Large reserves of nerve agents, mostly sarin, have been used repeatedly against Syrian civilians. They must be wiped out before ISIS or another terror group can scoop them up.
- The OPCW removed declared stockpiles in 2014, but “surplus still remained,” and they were sometimes bombed by the US and UK. Security needs now to be top‑priority.
“There’s a sense of urgency,” De Bretton‑Gordon added. “If these chemicals slip into the hands of rogue actors, it could be catastrophic.”
When the Big Dogs Bite
With Russia and friends finally outmaneuvered, the outcome sparks a new sense of empowerment. Syria’s experience shows that even the most entrenched regimes are not invincible, and a collective push for transparency and safety can outline a hopeful path forward.
