By Samah Abdel Fattah | 2025-05-20

Contrary to claims of a full withdrawal, US and coalition forces continue to maintain an active presence in Syria, partnering closely with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to conduct joint training and counterterrorism missions that reinforce regional stability, experts told Al-Fassel.

The US military presence in parts of Syria remains essential due to ongoing security concerns and continued cooperation with the SDF to counter "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) attempts to exploit shifting dynamics in the region, they said.

"Cooperation in all its forms between the SDF and coalition forces, especially US forces present in northeastern Syria, remains as it has been in recent years," Adnan Azadi, an official with the Asayesh (Kurdish internal security forces), told Al-Fassel.

This includes logistical support, military training, and joint counterterrorism operations, he said.

Joint exercises continue to strengthen local forces' capabilities while ensuring the protection of infrastructure. No damage to public facilities has occurred during these missions, the experts said.

Counterterror success

Operations against remaining ISIS elements have intensified in recent weeks, supported by extensive coalition intelligence and air support, according to Azadi.

US military support in northeast Syria extends primarily to the SDF, including affiliated units such as the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), with some support also extended to local forces like the Asayesh.

"There is an emphasis on continuing to work diligently to combat terrorism in our deployment areas," Azadi said, adding that SDF leadership has received no directives indicating a US withdrawal.

He noted that specialized counterterrorism teams have recently shown improved performance in securing these SDF-held areas.

"We've arrested dozens of ISIS elements, including important leaders who were attempting to rebuild their networks through threats and incentives," he added.

"We've also seized large quantities of weapons, ammunition, explosives, communications devices, and documents expected to significantly influence future operations."

Strategic necessity

Claims of a US withdrawal are "mere talk utterly devoid of truth," military expert Yahya Muhammad Ali said.

The original rationale behind US military deployment -- countering ISIS, establishing coalition forces, and training the SDF -- remains as relevant as ever, he told Al-Fassel.

ISIS is actively trying to exploit recent developments, repositioning in certain areas and launching terrorist attacks against civilians and military personnel, he said.

The country requires continued US support to effectively implement its counterterrorism strategies, he added.

"The current Syrian reality is highly complex and demands sustained efforts to curb terrorist group movements," Ali said.

"This reality is the necessary foundation for building a new Syria -- one free of sanctions and backed politically, militarily, and economically," he added.