Trump urges U.S. to avoid military involvement in Syria as rebel forces advance
President-elect Donald Trump stated that the U.S. should avoid military involvement in Syria as opposition forces make significant gains against President Bashar al-Assad. He emphasized, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” amid a rebel offensive that has reached Damascus. The Biden administration also confirmed it would not intervene in the Syrian civil war. National security adviser Jake Sullivan noted that the U.S. would focus on preventing the Islamic State from exploiting the conflict, while Assad's allies appear weakened by other regional conflicts. Rebels have captured several major cities in a rapid advance, with reports suggesting Assad has left Syria. Trump criticized past U.S. involvement and suggested that the situation might ultimately benefit the opposition forces.