Pentagon Affirms Intelligence Coordination with SDF in Syria

A US Air Force B-1B Lancer and crew, being deployed to launch strikes as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, is seen in this image released from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar on April 14, 2018. US Air Force/Handout via Reuters
A US Air Force B-1B Lancer and crew, being deployed to launch strikes as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, is seen in this image released from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar on April 14, 2018. US Air Force/Handout via Reuters
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Pentagon Affirms Intelligence Coordination with SDF in Syria

A US Air Force B-1B Lancer and crew, being deployed to launch strikes as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, is seen in this image released from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar on April 14, 2018. US Air Force/Handout via Reuters
A US Air Force B-1B Lancer and crew, being deployed to launch strikes as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, is seen in this image released from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar on April 14, 2018. US Air Force/Handout via Reuters

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that US troops were coordinating with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from an intelligence perspective to pursue ISIS militants in Syria.

“We work with our SDF partners on the ground to go after ISIS. And they are strong fighters in that regard,” Kirby said.

His comments came after the New York Times published a story about March 2019 airstrikes in Syria, revealing the presence of intelligence coordination between the US and SDF forces.

The newspaper also said that several international organizations have revealed that the Kurdish-led group mistreated local people, particularly the Arabs in eastern Syria.

Kirby said Washington coordinates with the SDF because it knows the terrain.

“They know the area. They certainly do support the counter ISIS effort from an intelligence perspective,” he said at a press briefing held on Monday.

However, the Pentagon Press Secretary refused to comment on the accusations that the group might have exploited the US military power and carried out certain violations.

“We are always mindful of our obligations when we're dealing with partner forces, about the rule of law and about responsible use of military power and going after a common threat like ISIS. And that's an ongoing concern. It's an iterative process. It’s something that we stress to partners throughout the conduct of any military operation,” Kirby said.

He added that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has asked General McKenzie to brief him more specifically on the airstrikes carried out in March 2019.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.