JUDGED in isolation, the downfall of chemical murderer Assad is cause for satisfaction but the success of HTS in Syria is a major boost for fellow jihadists everywhere to strike — and that includes in Britain.
If Syria descends further into civil war and inter-factional fighting, as is likely, millions of refugees may also flood into Europe.
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Among their number will be terrorists or those who later turn to terror.
HTS, which evolved from IS, al-Qaeda and Hamas, will be focused on gaining and holding on to control.
They claim not to have an interest in jihad beyond Syria but that should be disregarded.
Their priority will be a strike on Israel.
Their sights will also be on Jordan, where they will seek to replace the monarchy with Islamist rule.
Turkey and Qatar are both heavily involved in funding and directing HTS and Western countries should be leaning on them to restrain them.
We will also become increasingly dependent on Israeli intelligence to help protect us from terrorism.
Donald Trump reacts to Assad’s fall
The incoming president lashed out at Russia when commenting on the fall of Assad’s regime.
On X, the Republican leader wrote: “Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad.
“Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.”
He went on to blame former President Barack Obama for “refusing to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND” which led to Russia stepping into the conflict.
Trump noted that Russia being forced out of Syria is “the best thing that can happen” as “there was never much benefit” in Syria for Putin.
“Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” he added.
On TruthSocial the president-elect said that both Russia and Iran are now in “a weakened state” before he called for a ceasefire in Ukraine to “stop the madness.”