U.S. Senate Approves $130 Million to Support SDF and Free Syrian Army
The United States Senate, in its recent session, overwhelmingly passed the draft defense budget for fiscal year 2026. According to the resolution, the U.S. government is authorized to allocate $130 million from the total defense budget to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast and the Free Syrian Army (Jaysh al-Suriya al-Hurra) in southern Syria.
The new bill, estimated at around $925 billion, was approved with 77 votes in favor and 20 against. It allocates $65 million for salaries, $15.6 million for training and weapons, $32.4 million for logistical assistance, $15.3 million for maintenance of vehicles and facilities, and $1.5 million for operational services.
The new funding for the SDF and Free Syrian Army indicates that the United States does not intend to retreat from its policy of support for non-state actors in Syria. The budget approval may be interpreted as a message to Turkey and the Syrian government. Turkey has consistently labeled the SDF as an extension of the PKK and criticized Washington’s military cooperation with the group.
Direct funding for the SDF and Free Syrian Army reflects America’s effort to strengthen these groups as its allies in Syria. Overall, the Senate’s decision not only signals continued U.S. military presence in Syria but also shows Washington’s intent to maintain—and even expand—its influence in Syria’s political and battlefield dynamics in 2026. This path could bring new challenges for Syria and the broader West Asia region.
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