US Senate to review $130 million Pentagon fund for Syrian groups including PKK/YPG

The US Department of Defence (Pentagon) has included a $130 million allocation in its fiscal year 2026 budget, under the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), for a “training and equipping support fund” for armed groups operating in Syria.

Among these groups is the PKK/YPG, designated as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, which operates in Syria under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The full NDAA is awaiting a vote in the US Senate.

The NDAA passed the House of Representatives on 10 September with 231 votes in favour and 196 against, approving an $848 billion budget.

The Senate is currently debating its version of the bill, which proposes a total budget of $924.7 billion. The $130 million for the Syrian groups is included in the Senate draft. Differences in total budget figures between the House and Senate versions stem from varying approaches to core funding, social policy, and investments in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Funding for anti-ISIS operations remains largely unchanged. Both the House and Senate allocations provide $213 million for Iraq, $130 million for Syria, and $15 million for Lebanon, totalling $358 million. Compared with 2024, this represents a $17 million reduction for groups in Syria.

The Pentagon’s request for Syria specifies the use of the $130 million for “training, equipping, and paying salaries” for PKK/YPG (operating as SDG) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in southern Syria. The breakdown of the requested funds is as follows:

• $65 million for salaries

• $15.6 million for training and weapons

• $32.4 million for logistical support

• $15.3 million for maintenance of vehicles and facilities

• $1.5 million for other related services

The Pentagon emphasises that these groups will continue to receive light weapons, alongside training and equipment. Officials note that inadequate measures against ISIS could lead to its resurgence, posing a threat to regional security and US interests.

Additionally, $7.42 million of the $130 million has been earmarked for SÖO, a group expected to expand operations targeting ISIS elements in the Badia desert.

Historically, the Pentagon allocated $147 million to Syrian groups in 2025 and $156 million in 2024 under the pretext of combating ISIS. The $17 million reduction for 2026 has drawn attention, reflecting a slight decrease in funding compared with previous years.

Following deliberations in the relevant Senate committees, the NDAA is scheduled for a full Senate vote no later than September 30.

By Tamilla Hasanova