Pentagon Allocates $130 Million in 2026 for Syrian Democratic Forces Operations
"US allocates $130M to support SDF in 2026 to counter ISIS. Funds cover arms, stipends for 19K fighters, detention security & logistics amid post-Assad instability.
By Ahora Qadi
Erbil (Kurdistan24) – The U.S. Department of Defense has designated $130 million in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget under the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF) to support vetted Syrian groups and individuals, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Free Army (SFA), for their central role in the enduring defeat of ISIS across Northeast (Western Kurdistan) and Southeast Syria.
According to the Pentagon’s justification document, the funds will enable SDF and SFA to sustain ongoing counter-ISIS missions, secure detention facilities, and prevent the re-emergence of ISIS networks, particularly around the volatile Al-Hol Displaced Persons Camp and sparsely secured desert regions like Badiyah.
While the allocation represents a slight reduction from the 2025 budget, it reflects a realignment in priorities due to significant infrastructure upgrades in the prior fiscal years. The funding remains critical in light of the post-Assad era in Syria and persistent threats from ISIS elements.
Breakdown of Training and Equipment
Out of the total, over $15.6 million is earmarked for training and equipment. This includes procurement of 2,200 small arms such as AK-47s and PKM machine guns, 10,000 accessories including optics and attachments, and substantial quantities of ammunition and mortar rounds to maintain operational readiness.
Additionally, $2.16 million will fund tactical vehicles and transport capabilities to ensure partner forces can mobilize effectively, while $2.34 million is allocated for critical communication gear and protective gear to enhance battlefield coordination and safety.
Life Support and Logistics
Approximately $32.4 million will be devoted to logistics, support, and sustainment services. This includes life support packages, contracted subsistence, air and ground transport, medical care, and critical communication services such as biometric enrollment and secure data transmission platforms.
These provisions ensure VSGI (vetted Syrian groups and individuals) forces are logistically supported in austere operational environments where infrastructure is minimal and mobility is key to mission success.
Stipends and Personnel Expansion
A major portion—$65 million—is designated for stipends, enabling continued monthly payments to an estimated 19,000 partner force members. These include counter-IED specialists, detention facility guards, and frontline fighters. The increase in stipend funding over the previous year indicates a planned expansion of partner force personnel, reflecting operational needs in newly accessible regions following the fall of the Assad regime.
Detention Center Rehabilitation and Security
To mitigate the threat of ISIS breakouts and maintain humane detention conditions, the budget includes $1.55 million for infrastructure repair and renovation (IRR) of ISIS detention facilities. The upgrades are aimed at reinforcing structural integrity, improving living conditions, and ensuring long-term security of the detainee population—the world’s largest concentration of ISIS combatants.
Sustainment and Field Operations
An additional $15.38 million will support sustainment efforts. This includes repair parts for weapons and vehicles, rations, medical supplies, and fortification materials. These provisions will ensure that the SDF, Internal Security Forces, Provincial Internal Security Forces, and the SFA maintain readiness and operational continuity.
Strategic Importance and Risk Mitigation
The Pentagon underlined that without this continued support, the risk of ISIS reconstitution would increase dramatically, undermining regional security and the broader U.S. strategic interest in the Middle East. The allocation aims to reinforce gains achieved since 2014 and stabilize areas liberated from ISIS control.
This funding also aligns with the broader U.S. objective of supporting local forces to assume full responsibility for the security of their territories and reducing reliance on coalition presence.
With its FY 2026 CTEF request, the U.S. Department of Defense affirms its commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS and bolstering the operational capabilities of Syrian partners. The $130 million package is designed not only to sustain the current level of operations but also to adapt to Syria’s evolving security dynamics and the demands of a volatile post-conflict landscape.
