Greater Air Defense Required Following Deadly Drone Attack, Reports Reuters

By Maya Gebeily

A key player in the U.S.-led effort against Islamic State has called for enhanced air defenses in northeastern Syria following a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of six of its fighters, which the group attributes to Iranian-backed factions.

Mazloum Abdi, commander of the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressed concern over the dangers posed by drone strikes targeting their camps, particularly those endorsed by Iran.

Abdi’s comments indicate that the SDF fighters, who are collaborating with U.S. troops to combat remnants of Islamic State, face increasing risks from the growing regional instability triggered by the recent conflict involving Hamas and Israel.

U.S. military bases situated in eastern and northeastern Syria, where SDF fighters operate alongside American forces, have been subjected to numerous drone and rocket assaults from pro-Iran militias aiming to strike U.S. and Western interests in solidarity with the Palestinians against Israel.

Earlier this year, a drone attack attributed to Iranian-backed groups on a U.S. facility in Jordan resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members. Subsequently, on February 4, the SDF reported that an explosive drone strike in eastern Syria claimed the lives of six fighters from their ranks.

When asked about the possibility of requesting more military support to counter such attacks, Abdi stated that the SDF would “require technical capabilities and an increase in the aerial defensive systems” in the region. He conveyed that U.S. officials have assured him they would strive to prevent further incidents.

The Pentagon has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding Abdi’s statements.

The SDF, led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and including Arab fighters, has been a crucial ally of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State for the past decade. It controls a significant portion of Syria, including key oil fields and areas where around 900 U.S. personnel are stationed.

Amid speculation about a possible withdrawal of U.S. forces, Abdi indicated he has received reassurances from the State Department, White House, and Pentagon regarding the continuity of their mission. However, he acknowledged that a withdrawal remains a possibility in the future, adding that he does not expect American troops to be present indefinitely.

Abdi cautioned that if U.S. forces were to exit, the threats facing the SDF from Iranian-backed groups, Islamic State, and Turkey— which views the YPG and SDF as “terrorist” organizations— would significantly increase.

He indicated that any future plans would align with the interests of their people and the regional dynamics. However, he clarified that this would not involve a long-term partnership with the Syrian military, which he believes lacks the capabilities to defend against Islamic State.

The Syrian armed forces have been severely weakened due to over a decade of conflict against various rebel and extremist factions seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, which began in response to his violent suppression of protests.