The U.S. Department of Defense has approved an additional $130 million in funding for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including the Kurdish-led QSD and the Syrian Free Army (SFA), under its “Defeat ISIS” mission.
According to an official statement, these groups have shown “exceptional performance” in battling ISIS and supporting the coalition’s objectives in the region. The newly approved funds will cover weapons, training, vehicles, and enhanced prison security to detain ISIS militants.
The Pentagon emphasized that ISIS detainees in Syrian prisons are highly trained and battle-hardened, and their escape could reignite ISIS resurgence in the region.
In addition to Syria, aid has also been allocated to Lebanon and Iraq, where counter-ISIS operations continue.
It’s worth noting that under the U.S.-led “Defeat ISIS” initiative, a coalition of 87 countries has been working for over a decade to eliminate the Islamic State from Iraq and Syria. Despite repeated claims of success and ISIS defeat, the extremist group continues to pose a threat and resist complete eradication from the region.
