Nominee for CENTCOM: U.S. troops vital for Syria anti-terror mission

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to confirm his appointment, Cooper stated that "the military presence is indispensable for executing the mission to fight ISIS today," adding, "We are leading this mission now, and we will continue to lead it in the future."

The Pentagon had decided to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Syria from approximately 2,000 to fewer than 1,000. However, Cooper noted that the size of the force should be "linked to field conditions," stressing the need to consider the complex security and political situation before making further withdrawal decisions.

According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, Pentagon officials declined to disclose the current number of U.S. troops deployed in Syria.

Cooper explained that U.S. forces continue to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which played a key role in defeating ISIS in 2019 and is now working to prevent its resurgence.

Cooper also highlighted ongoing sectarian tensions, referencing the deadly attacks targeting civilians in Aleppo in March in western Syria, which killed hundreds of civilians, and warned that ISIS could exploit these tensions to reorganize.

He also pointed to a suicide bombing targeting the Saint Elias Church, which killed 25 people. and injured dozens, holding ISIS responsible for the attack.

"ISIS remains a threat, and I will continue to prioritize it as an absolute priority," Cooper said.

A policy paper by the Soufan Center, which specializes in security and strategic affairs, warned that ISIS may attempt to carry out attacks on prisons and camps holding around 10,000 mercenaries, along with 40,000 women and children associated with them, as it did in 2022. It noted that a mass escape would not only release seasoned fighters but also serve as propaganda to recruit new ones.

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ANHA