Despite claims of combating ISIS, the US has no plans to withdraw its 900 troops from eastern Syria, where they support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This allows the US to control about one-third of Syria’s territory, including key oil resources.

Ethan A. Goldrich, assistant deputy secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, stated the US would not leave Syria until its “mission” was completed, referring to anti-ISIS operations. However, the continued US presence appears more focused on keeping the Syrian government and its ally Iran out of the region and controlling oil resources. This occupation is part of a broader economic campaign against Syria, including sanctions designed to cripple the country’s reconstruction efforts.

Goldrich also mentioned the US aims to "hold the regime accountable," referring to the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. This rhetoric aligns with the US opposition to regional countries normalizing relations with Damascus, despite increasing acceptance of Assad’s continued leadership in the region.

Earlier reports suggested a potential US withdrawal from Syria, but the SDF received assurances from the US that its forces would remain. Additionally, discussions about a potential US withdrawal from Iraq have shown no significant progress, with 2,500 US troops still stationed there to support the Syrian occupation and act as a deterrent amid regional tensions.

These actions and statements indicate that the US presence in Syria is driven by strategic and economic interests rather than solely counterterrorism efforts.