Joint Military Drills Between US-Led Coalition and SDF Intensify in Rojava

Feb. 1, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The U.S.-led International Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) conducted a joint military exercise on Saturday at Al-Wazir Base, north of Hasakah in northern Syria (Rojava), according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The exercises featured live ammunition and advanced weaponry recently delivered to coalition bases east of the Euphrates. SOHR also reported that these drills followed an intense live-fire exercise held a day earlier at the Conoco gas plant base, east of Deir ez-Zor.

The training included U.S. helicopter patrols aimed at improving coordination and enhancing combat readiness to counter potential threats in the region. Joint exercises between the International Coalition and SDF have been a key element of U.S. military strategy in Syria and Iraq, focusing on advising and strengthening the security capabilities of its local partners.

Since mid-2022, these joint maneuvers have increased significantly, coinciding with a rise in Iranian-backed militia rocket attacks targeting coalition bases in Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor.

A Decade of U.S. Training Operations in Syria

Since 2014, the U.S. military has conducted extensive training for SDF forces across multiple coalition bases, including Himo Base near Qamishli. The primary focus has been on training the SDF Counter-Terrorism Units, which receive the highest level of support and armament from the U.S. military.

The increasing frequency and intensity of joint U.S.-SDF military exercises reflect Washington’s continued commitment to stabilizing Rojava and strengthening local security forces. With the region still facing threats from ISIS insurgents, these coordinated drills play a crucial role in maintaining security and preventing the resurgence of extremism.