Chicago December 20, 2024
The Pentagon has revealed that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, which is more than double the number previously reported. For months, the Department of Defense had stated there were roughly 900 troops in the region.
Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Ryder corrected the troop count during a press briefing, noting that the higher number includes “temporary rotational forces” meant to adapt to changing mission needs, while the original 900 are on longer assignments.
This disclosure comes amid intense focus on Syria following the recent departure of President Assad, who has taken refuge in Russia. The region’s stability is precarious, especially with increased attacks by the Turkish military on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, led by Gen. Mazloum Abdi, faces threats from Turkey, which considers the Kurdish group as terrorists. Gen. Abdi has expressed concerns that a retreat by Kurdish fighters could lead to a resurgence of ISIS in the area.
The U.S. military’s presence in Syria is critical, especially now, to prevent any potential regrouping of ISIS if the Kurdish forces are compromised. The situation remains fluid, with troop numbers subject to change based on ongoing military requirements and regional conditions.
