CENTCOM Nominee: U.S. Military Presence in Syria Remains Crucial to Confront ISIS Threat

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, nominee to lead the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), asserted that the U.S. military presence in Syria remains essential for countering the enduring threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS), despite recent reductions in troop numbers.

Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 24, Cooper emphasized that ISIS continues to pose a real and present danger in Syria. He underscored the necessity of maintaining a residual American force in the region, cautioning that Syria’s complex security landscape must be thoroughly evaluated before implementing any further drawdowns.

U.S. Footprint Reduced, But Mission Endures

While the U.S. Department of Defense has already slashed troop levels in Syria from 2,000 to fewer than 1,000, Cooper made clear that a continued military footprint is indispensable for executing the mission against ISIS.

"Our military presence remains vital to carrying out the counter-ISIS mission today," Cooper told lawmakers. "We have led this effort, we are leading it now, and I expect we will continue to lead it in the future. Every decision regarding troop posture will be based on present conditions as I look toward the future."

Responding to Attacks and Reinforcing Alliances

When asked by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) about the recent bombing of the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Cooper responded that the U.S. is closely monitoring such developments.

"We are focused on this issue daily. ISIS remains a threat, and if confirmed, I remain fully committed to confronting it. This is an absolute priority," he said.

Cooper also reaffirmed U.S. backing for Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Shara, describing him as "a vital partner in the campaign against ISIS." He added, "ISIS thrives in chaos. If, seven months into its tenure, the Syrian government can help suppress the ISIS threat—alongside U.S. forces in the region—this emerging stability contributes directly to our own security."

Future Troop Assessments May Shift

While reiterating the importance of current deployments, Cooper acknowledged that the number of U.S. troops needed in Syria may evolve as conditions on the ground shift.

"Given the dynamic nature of today’s situation, the evaluation of required U.S. forces in Syria may differ significantly in the future compared to today," he noted.

As deputy commander of CENTCOM, Cooper emphasized that American forces have played—and continue to play—a central role in the anti-ISIS campaign.

"The United States has led this mission from the outset. We still lead it today, and I expect that leadership to continue as we move forward, guided by operational realities," he concluded.