U.S. announces ‘large-scale’ strikes against IS in Syria

The announcement by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding "large-scale" military strikes against the jihadist group ISIS throughout Syria is a significant development in ongoing global counter-terrorism efforts. To understand its implications, one must delve into the complex background of the Syrian conflict, the rise of ISIS, and the intricate web of international relations in the Middle East.

The **background context** for these strikes is rooted in the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings. The conflict quickly escalated into a multi-sided war involving the Syrian government, various rebel groups, and eventually, international powers. Amidst this chaos and the power vacuum, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an extremist Sunni jihadist organization, emerged as a formidable force. Building on the remnants of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, ISIS declared a global caliphate in June 2014, seizing vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, including major cities like Mosul and Raqqa. Known for its extreme brutality, sophisticated propaganda, and recruitment of foreign fighters from across the globe, ISIS posed an unprecedented threat to regional and global security. This led to the formation of a U.S.-led international coalition dedicated to degrading and defeating the group.

**What happened** is that CENTCOM, the unified combatant command of the U.S. armed forces responsible for operations in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, confirmed multiple strikes targeting ISIS. While ISIS lost its territorial 'caliphate' in 2019, it has transitioned into an insurgent force, continuing to launch attacks and maintain sleeper cells. These recent strikes indicate a persistent effort by the U.S. to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and neutralize its operational capabilities, highlighting that the fight against the group is far from over.

**Key stakeholders** involved include the **United States**, leading the anti-ISIS coalition, with strategic interests in maintaining regional stability, combating terrorism, and protecting its allies. **ISIS** itself is the primary target, though its leadership and operational structure have been significantly degraded. The **Syrian Government** of Bashar al-Assad, while technically having its sovereignty challenged by foreign military operations on its soil without its explicit consent, often tacitly benefits from operations that weaken its internal enemies. Other significant players include the **Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)**, primarily Kurdish and Arab militias supported by the U.S., who have been crucial ground partners in fighting ISIS. Regional powers like **Turkey**, **Iran**, and **Russia** also have significant, often conflicting, interests and military presence in Syria, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Turkey views the SDF (especially its Kurdish component, the YPG) as a terrorist organization linked to the PKK, while Russia and Iran support the Assad regime.

**Why this matters for India** is multi-faceted. Firstly, the global threat of terrorism, exemplified by ISIS, directly impacts India's internal security. ISIS's ideology of radicalization has found resonance among a small but concerning segment of Indian youth, leading to arrests and counter-radicalization efforts. The potential return of foreign fighters from conflict zones to India poses a significant security challenge. Secondly, the Middle East is vital for India's **energy security**, as India imports a substantial portion of its oil and gas from the region. Instability there can lead to volatile oil prices, impacting India's economy. Thirdly, the region hosts a large **Indian diaspora**, whose safety and well-being are a constant concern for the Indian government. Geopolitically, India maintains strategic relations with various powers involved in the Syrian conflict (U.S., Russia, Iran), necessitating a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy. India consistently advocates for a comprehensive global approach to counter-terrorism, including strengthening legal frameworks like the proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.

From a **historical context**, the rise of ISIS is intertwined with the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq War and the subsequent sectarian divisions, which created fertile ground for extremist groups. The "War on Terror" initiated by the U.S. post-9/11 has continuously evolved, with ISIS representing a new, more sophisticated iteration of the global jihadist threat. India, having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, has consistently condemned all forms of terrorism and has been a strong proponent of international cooperation against it.

The **future implications** suggest that while ISIS may not regain territorial control, its ideological threat and capacity to inspire or orchestrate attacks remain. The U.S. and its allies will likely continue targeted counter-terrorism operations. However, the broader Syrian conflict, with its various international actors and unresolved political issues, will continue to be a source of instability. For India, this means continued vigilance against radicalization, strengthening counter-terrorism intelligence and cooperation with international partners, and carefully navigating its foreign policy in a volatile West Asia. India's foreign policy principles, guided by **Article 51** of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy), which calls for the promotion of international peace and security, maintenance of just and honourable relations between nations, and fostering respect for international law, underpin its approach to such global challenges. Domestic laws like the **Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)** and the **Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)** are crucial instruments in India's fight against terror financing and activities, mirroring international efforts to choke off resources for groups like ISIS.