U.S. officials reaffirm intention to stay in Syria to support Syrian Democratic Forces in war against ISIS

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper quoted several U.S. military officials confirming support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and stated that U.S. forces will remain in the region as a part of that support.

This was considered by some as support for the political processes that the U.S. wants to achieve in the country in addition to its mission of combating the thousands of members of the Islamic State which still operate in the east of the country.

The statements came during a ceremony held by the SDF and leaders of the U.S.-led International Coalition on the second anniversary of liberation of Al-Baghuz, the last stronghold of ISIS in North and East Syria.

Commander of the US-led counter-ISIS mission in Iraq and Syria Lt. Gen. Paul Calvert stated that U.S. forces will not return home soon, explaining that ISIS is still able to establish training camps and other infrastructure inside the Badia (desert), where no U.S. forces are stationed.

“ISIS is still able to carry out high-profile attacks,” said Calvert.

Major General in the British Army and Deputy Coalition Commander Kevin Copsey confirmed that part of the tasks of the Coalition is to support the SDF.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also stated that the Coalition against ISIS will always remain committed to defeating ISIS.

Today marks the second anniversary of the defeat of ISIS’s fraudulent territorial “caliphate.” While this was a major milestone in our D-ISIS efforts, our mission remains far from complete. The 83-member Global @Coalition remains committed to ensuring ISIS’s lasting defeat.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 23, 2021