Blinken issues warning on Islamic State capabilities in Syria

Blinken issues warning on Islamic State capabilities in SyriaSource Department of State

Transcript

00:00The end of this regime is a defeat for all

00:03who enabled its barbarity and its corruption,

00:05none more than Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia.

00:10So this moment presents a historic opportunity,

00:15but it also carries considerable risks.

00:18History shows how quickly moments of promise

00:22can descend into conflict and violence.

00:26ISIS will try to use this period

00:28to re-establish its capabilities, to create safe havens.

00:32As our precision strikes over the weekend demonstrate,

00:34we are determined not to let that happen,

00:37and we'll continue to protect our personnel

00:39against any threats from any quarters.

00:43Syrian people have endured so much suffering.

00:46We have work to do to ensure that they endure no more.

00:51It's imperative that all actors involved protect civilians,

00:57respect human rights, especially of vulnerable minorities,

01:00preserve the state's institutions and services

01:03to help meet the needs of the Syrian people,

01:05and to build toward inclusive governance.

01:09Statements by rebel leaders to these ends are very welcome,

01:13but, of course, the real measure of their commitment

01:15is not just what they say but what they do.