Fact-Check: "The U.S. and Israel helped a group take over Syria"
What We Know
The claim that "the U.S. and Israel helped a group take over Syria" is rooted in the complex dynamics of the Syrian Civil War and the geopolitical interests of both nations. The U.S. has been involved in Syria since 2014, primarily targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) through a coalition that conducted over 19,786 airstrikes, with a significant portion aimed at ISIL positions (Wikipedia). The U.S. also supported various opposition groups, including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which played a crucial role in the fight against ISIL (Wikipedia).
In December 2024, the Assad regime was overthrown, leading to a power vacuum that various factions, including U.S.-backed groups, sought to fill. However, reports indicate that the U.S. did not directly orchestrate the regime's fall; rather, it was primarily the Syrian rebel groups that achieved this (American University).
Israel's involvement has been primarily defensive, aimed at countering Iranian influence and preventing the establishment of hostile forces along its borders. In 2024, following the collapse of the Assad regime, Israel launched an invasion of parts of southwestern Syria, further complicating the situation (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The evidence suggests a nuanced reality regarding the claim. While the U.S. provided support to various groups fighting against the Assad regime, including training and arms for the SDF, it did not directly facilitate the regime's overthrow. The assertion that the U.S. and Israel "helped" in the takeover implies a level of direct involvement that is not supported by the evidence. The U.S. role was more about countering ISIL and supporting local forces rather than a coordinated effort to topple the Syrian government (American University, BBC).
Israel's actions, while aggressive, were largely motivated by its own security concerns rather than a direct intent to assist in the overthrow of the Assad regime. The Israeli invasion was aimed at securing territory and countering Iranian influence rather than supporting a specific group to take over Syria (PBS).
Both nations' actions have contributed to the changing landscape in Syria, but the claim oversimplifies the complexities of international involvement and the internal dynamics of the Syrian conflict.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "the U.S. and Israel helped a group take over Syria" is Partially True. While both nations have played significant roles in the Syrian conflict, their involvement does not equate to a direct effort to facilitate the overthrow of the Assad regime. The U.S. supported various factions primarily to combat ISIL, and Israel's actions were driven by its own national security interests rather than a coordinated effort to assist in a regime change.
Sources
- US Role in Syria Unclear in Wake of Assad's Fall From Power
- US intervention in the Syrian civil war
- Israeli invasion of Syria (2024–present)
- U.S. envoy reaffirms support for Syria's government and ...
- The global players in Syria before and after Assad
- What's the real motive behind Israel's involvement in Syria ...
- How the Overthrow of Syria's Assad Impacts Israel and ...
- U.S. envoy to Syria doubles down on support for new ... - PBS
