Shadows of Change: The Fall of Assad and the Fight Against ISIS

What Happened?

Bashar al-Assad's regime fell over the weekend.

It effectively marks the end of his 24-year rule and his family's grip on power in the region, which it has held for over 50 years.

Assad was forced to flee Syria to Moscow, where he and his family were subsequently granted asylum by the Russian government.

Upon the Assad family’s leave of Syria, a coalition of radical Islamist groups, which included ISIS, led a successful military offensive that saw them capture the nation's capital city of Damascus.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) performed dozens of airstrikes on ISIS operatives and strongholds Sunday in an effort to prevent the terrorist organization from taking advantage of the power vacuum that will almost certainly be left in Assad's absence…

Why it Matters

CENTCOM is specifically working to ensure ISIS does not reestablish any strongholds in central Syria. Their military offensive saw over 75 targets struck down by Air Force personnel Sunday. And while damage assessments are still ongoing, CENTCOM stated there are no indications any civilians were killed in the offensive.

They plan to work with regional allies to continue to thwart any future plans the terrorist group may have to establish footholds in Syria. This is as the country looks towards a future independent of the Assad regime for the first time in over five decades.

ISIS, which once controlled vast regions of Syria and Iraq, has been significantly weakened over the past decade. That’s due to successful military operations conducted by international coalitions.

However, many experts have warned that despite the success of these operations, the group has remained resilient, displaying a chilling resolve and regrouping into smaller, more agile groups that strike unpredictably.

CENTCOM aims to deny ISIS any opportunity to reclaim previous territories and has focused much of its effort on disrupting known infrastructures and hideouts before they can take advantage of any power vacuum left by Assad.

While rebels have already taken over the capital, U.S. military efforts are focusing heavily on central Syria.

How it Affects You

As the world watches, Syria take its first steps out from the shadow of the Assad family for the first time in over 50 years.

But the threat of ISIS and other radical Islamic military groups still looms large.

Although Assad's toppled regime may signal the end of an era, securing a peaceful and stable Syria is another fight entirely.