Washington – The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Saturday that it has earmarked $130 million from its 2026 budget to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Free Syrian Army.
In a statement published on its website, the Pentagon said the funding reflects Washington’s continued commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS, noting that a resurgence of the group poses a threat to U.S. interests and regional and global security.
The funding will go to partner forces operating in northern and eastern Syria as well as the tri-border area between Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, with the goal of maintaining sustained pressure on ISIS and preventing its regrouping.
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The Pentagon detailed the allocation as follows:
- $15.6 million for training and equipping, including light weapons, ammunition, vehicles, medical supplies, communications equipment, and military uniforms.
- $32.4 million for logistical support, covering food, medical aid, communications services, and ground and air transportation.
- $65 million to pay the monthly salaries of about 19,000 partner force members tasked with guarding, mine clearance, and counter-IED operations.
- $1.55 million for infrastructure improvements, including maintenance of detention facilities holding ISIS members and humanitarian upgrades.
- $15.4 million for sustainability programs supporting the SDF, internal security forces, and the Free Syrian Army.
The funding comes from the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF), which aims to enable partner forces to conduct operations against ISIS, enhance security in high-risk areas such as al-Hol camp, and upgrade detention facilities to prevent escapes.
The Defense Department said the 2026 funding marks a slight decrease from the previous year due to progress made in modernizing detention infrastructure in 2024 and 2025, reducing the need for additional spending in that area.
The Pentagon emphasized that the repatriation of foreign ISIS fighters remains the most sustainable solution but added that the current support aims to mitigate escape risks and improve detention management.
Earlier this week, the Syrian Democratic Forces denied rumors of preparations for a new military campaign against ISIS in Syria’s desert regions. In a statement on Facebook, the SDF said the reports were unfounded and not based on official sources.
The SDF added that it remains ready to take part in any Syrian or international effort to counter ISIS but stressed that any new operation would be formally announced through its official media channels.
