Pentagon slashes budget request for Iraq counter-ISIS funds: What to know
A more than 40% reduction in funding for Iraqi security forces comes as the Defense Department continues to pivot to bilateral ties with Baghdad's institutions.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is slashing its request for congressional funds to support Iraqi security forces in a shared fight to contain the Islamic State (ISIS), according to new documents released this week by the department.
The Defense Department is requesting $212.52 million for fiscal year 2026, a steep decrease of more than 44% when compared with the $380.8 million enacted for this year.
The latest budget also calls for $130 million to equip Syria’s Kurdish-led forces maintaining pressure on ISIS in that country — a decrease of about 12% over this year.
Why it matters: The Pentagon’s request marks the lowest train-and-equip funding pitch for Iraqi security forces in recent years.
