In a recent government meeting, officials reaffirmed the United States' commitment to its mission in Syria, emphasizing the ongoing partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS. The discussions highlighted the complexities of the current situation in northwestern Syria, where various armed groups are engaged in conflict.

A key point raised was the nature of U.S. protection for the SDF. While U.S. forces have historically supported the SDF in their operations against ISIS, officials clarified that this support is primarily focused on countering ISIS threats. When questioned about the extent of protection offered to the SDF in the event of attacks from other groups, officials maintained that the U.S. presence in Syria is strictly tied to the ISIS mission, and they would not intervene in conflicts outside this scope.

The meeting also touched on recent clashes involving the SDF and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with officials noting that while the SDF has demonstrated effectiveness in combat, they would not speculate on potential future confrontations or the U.S. response to them. Communication with regional partners, including Turkey, was emphasized as crucial for maintaining situational awareness regarding developments in the area.

Additionally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is set to receive an award and deliver a keynote address at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, this Saturday, further underscoring the administration's focus on defense and international partnerships. More details regarding his trip are expected to be released soon.