CENTCOM nominee Vice Admiral Brad Cooper warns ISIS still threat in Syria, stresses need for US troop presence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nominee to lead US Central Command (CENTCOM) Vice Admiral Brad Cooper cautioned that the Islamic State (ISIS) continues to pose a serious threat in Syria. Speaking during his confirmation hearing, Cooper emphasized the necessity of maintaining a US military presence, even in a reduced capacity, to sustain counterterrorism efforts in the region.

“A military presence is essential to executing the mission against ISIS today,” Cooper stated. “We are leading this mission now, and we will continue to lead it in the future.” Despite the US troop count in Syria having been cut by more than half in recent years, he argued that their role remains indispensable in the ongoing fight against the extremist group.

Cooper underscored the importance of US collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS’s territorial hold in 2019. The SDF continues to be a critical partner in preventing the group’s resurgence.

The Vice Admiral Cooper also expressed deep concern over rising sectarian violence in Syria, pointing to the deadly attacks on Alawite communities in western Syria in March, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. He warned that such incidents could provide ISIS with opportunities to regroup by exploiting existing divisions.

Referencing the recent suicide attack at Mar Elias Church in Daramsuq (Damascus), which killed 29 people and injured dozens, Cooper directly attributed the attack to ISIS. He described such incidents as stark reminders of the ongoing threat posed by the group.

“ISIS remains a threat, and I will continue to prioritize its defeat as an absolute necessity,” Cooper concluded, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that US forces remain engaged in safeguarding regional stability and countering terrorism.