The US Department of Defense allocates $130 million to the SDF and the Free Syrian Forces
The US Senate approved the 2026 Defense Department budget for $914 billion, including $130 million to support the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Free Syrian Forces.
The majority of Council members voted in favor of the resolution, with 77 votes in favor and 22 against.
This move comes as part of Washington’s strategy to support regional partners in combating ISIS, which continues to pose a threat in northern and eastern Syria.
The SDF controls northeastern Syria, including the provinces of Hasakah and Raqqa, and parts of Deir al Zour, as its fighters are estimated to number around 100,000, while the Free Syrian Forces is based in the al Tanf desert east of Homs and receives direct support from the United States.
The military support provided to them includes logistical equipment, training, and salaries for fighters.
The funding share for 2026 decreased to $130 million, compared to $147 million in the 2025 budget and $156 million for 2024.
The Pentagon emphasized that the goal of this support is to exert sustained pressure on ISIS to prevent it from resuming its previous activities, and considered any resurgence by the organization to pose a threat to US interests and those of regional countries.
