Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, indicated that the US intends to maintain a military presence in Syria to prevent a potential resurgence of ISIS. Currently, there are approximately 900 US troops in Syria as part of an anti-ISIS coalition.
The situation in Syria remains uncertain following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power. Waltz emphasized the importance of containing ISIS to prevent the group from regaining strength and posing a threat to neighboring countries and beyond.
Waltz highlighted the collaboration between US troops and the Israeli military in securing chemical weapons stockpiles in Syria. He also called for European allies to play a more significant role in the coalition's efforts against ISIS.
While Trump has previously expressed a desire for the US to limit its involvement in Syria, Waltz emphasized the need to prevent ISIS from reemerging as a significant threat. He also addressed concerns about drones flying over sensitive areas in the Northeast, pointing out gaps in the government's ability to secure airspace from such threats.
The incoming administration plans to assess homeland security vulnerabilities, including the use of drones, and may consider implementing measures such as building an Iron Dome system in the US to counter aerial threats.
Although US officials have downplayed the security implications of the drone sightings, the issue has prompted calls for increased vigilance and information-sharing among federal agencies. Trump has seized on the drone incidents to criticize the Biden administration's handling of national security.
