U.S. to maintain military presence in North and East Syria, says State Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a press conference on Friday, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs Joey Hood revealed the U.S. intents to maintain a limited military presence in North and East Syria with the aim of fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) in partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to stabilize liberated areas.

Hood indicated that the U.S. is not only seeking to eliminate ISIS but also address the humanitarian situation in Syria.

He also pointed out that the Washington see the possibility of cooperating with Russia to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria.

In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump approved a plan to withdraw U.S. forces previously deployed in Syria. Later, due to pressure from members of his administration, he reversed course and publicly committed to keeping 900 U.S. military personnel, mostly around Hasakah.