According to a Pentagon announcement, the current number of US troops in Syria stands at approximately 2,000, more than double the earlier disclosed figure of 900. This information was shared by the Pentagon Press Secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, during a press briefing, revealing insights into the operational and diplomatic considerations surrounding this deployment. These additional forces are temporarily deployed to adapt to shifting mission requirements, while the original 900 troops are on longer-term assignments, explained Ryder.
Meanwhile, a US delegation, including key figures such as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, is conducting diplomatic engagements with the interim Syrian government in Damascus. This visit marks the first high-level American involvement in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, highlighting the importance of maintaining political stability in the region.
The delegation’s agenda includes engaging with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria’s de-facto ruling entity. The focus of discussions revolves around principles supported by the United States and regional allies aimed at promoting human rights, curbing the resurgence of terrorist groups like ISIS, and the eradication of chemical weapons.
Among the critical issues facing US troops is the continued threat posed by ISIS, which the international community is keen to contain following the collapse of Assad’s regime. The US Department of Defense insists that the need to prevent ISIS from exploiting Syria’s transitional phase remains a top priority.
In response to inquiries about the previously undisclosed number of troops, Ryder emphasized there was no deliberate attempt to obscure the figures, attributing it to the sensitivity of diplomatic and security issues. Ryder noted that the realization of the correct numbers prompted a thorough reevaluation to ensure transparency.
This development comes as efforts intensify to recover Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for over a decade. Special Presidential Envoy Carstens has been actively pursuing leads in Lebanon and Jordan, bringing renewed attention to Tice’s whereabouts.
The deployment of US troops to Syria dates back to 2014, allied with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat ISIS. However, the rapid shift in Syria’s political landscape raises concerns about a power vacuum that could bolster ISIS’s reemergence. While the US continues to regard the SDF as a key ally, tensions with Turkey add complexity to the situation, with Turkey viewing the SDF’s YPG component as a terrorist group.
Various airstrikes on ISIS targets have been carried out by the US in recent weeks, even as SDF operations face disruptions due to Turkish-backed assaults. These dynamics underscore the challenges in maintaining regional stability
In light of these developments, the US acknowledgment of its troop numbers in Syria highlights the intricate balance of political diplomacy and military strategy needed to address the challenges posed by ISIS and regional instability. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and military commitments underscore the US commitment to securing a peaceful future for Syria and its surrounding regions.
