U.S. unlikely to withdraw from Syria, supports SDF – Lebanese analyst
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Elie Youssef, a Lebanese political analyst, said on Thursday that it is unlikely Washington will withdraw its forces from Syria at this time, emphasizing that the U.S. will maintain its initial support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Speaking to North Press, the Lebanese analyst based in Washington stated, “I personally communicated with the Pentagon, and they confirmed that there is nothing beyond the existing press leaks.”
NBC News reported on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing plans for a withdrawal from Syria.
He continued, “The discussions about a U.S. withdrawal from Syria are not new. Similar leaks were circulating even during former President Joe Biden’s term. Reintroducing them now might be an attempt to shape public opinion and influence concerned parties. While I believe that the Trump administration would have pursued this course, it is not the case today.”
Youssef added, “Washington is focused on finding a resolution to the conflict between the Kurds and Turkey, as well as addressing issues with the new Syrian administration. The U.S. will not abandon its initial support for the Syrian Democratic Forces.”
He also mentioned that ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Turkey aim to address the issue of the Islamic State (ISIS) by ensuring that Turkey and other nations assume responsibility for its containment.