The Pentagon underscored the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a key US ally in the fight against ISIS, amid Turkey’s escalating rhetoric and demands in Syria. Speaking at a press briefing on 17 December, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder affirmed Washington’s support for the SDF while reiterating the importance of maintaining dialogue with Turkey, a NATO ally.
“Türkiye is a very valued NATO ally, and we continue to keep lines of communication open,” Ryder said, addressing questions on the dynamics between the US, Turkey and the SDF. He emphasised the US focus on preventing a resurgence of ISIS, noting the SDF’s “important role” in maintaining regional stability.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, recently declared that the SDF, including its Kurdish backbone the People’s Protection Units (YPG), must “either dissolve itself or be destroyed in Syria”. When pressed on these remarks, Ryder refrained from commenting directly but reiterated the US stance:
“The SDF remains an important partner. It is critical to remember what ISIS is capable of, as we’ve seen in the past, and we all have a vested interest in ensuring they cannot resurge,” he said.
Tensions in northeastern Syria remain high, with nearly 900 US troops deployed in the region to support the SDF and counter ISIS. Turkey has been intensifying attacks against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the SDF, accusing Washington of siding with Kurdish forces it considers a security threat.
Ryder also pointed to ongoing conversations with Ankara and regional actors, emphasising the shared interest in combating ISIS. “We’re speaking with our Turkish counterparts and others in the region,” he said, highlighting efforts to address challenges related to both the SDF and regional security.
The remarks come amid mounting pressure on the US to balance its alliance with Turkey while ensuring that efforts to counter ISIS are not compromised.
