US Troop Presence in Syria Doubles Amid Renewed Operations
The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the United States has significantly increased its troop presence in Syria, doubling the number to approximately 2,000. This escalation is part of ongoing operations against the Islamic State group, which has been a persistent threat in the region. Previously, the US had reported maintaining around 900 military personnel in Syria as part of a broader international coalition aimed at combating the jihadist organization.
Major General Pat Ryder, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, confirmed that the current troop levels have been in place for several months. He explained that these additional forces are categorized as temporary, tasked with supporting the ongoing D-ISIS mission. This mission focuses on providing resources and assistance to local forces engaged in the long-term fight against ISIS.
Increased Operations Following Recent Developments
As part of its commitment to preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State, the US has maintained a military presence in Iraq as well, with approximately 2,500 troops reported there. Over the years, US forces have carried out numerous airstrikes and ground raids aimed at curbing ISIS activities. However, operations have ramped up significantly following recent political shifts in Syria, particularly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month.
The U.S. military has targeted areas that were previously shielded by Syrian and Russian air defenses, as rebel forces have made rapid gains across the country. On December 8, the day rebels took control of Damascus, the U.S. launched strikes against more than 75 ISIS targets. The Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that these operations were crucial to ensure that ISIS does not exploit the chaotic situation to regain strength in central Syria.
Targeted Strikes Yield Results
In a recent report, CENTCOM revealed that U.S. forces successfully eliminated 12 ISIS militants in targeted strikes conducted in regions previously held by the Syrian regime and Russian forces. These strikes highlight the U.S. commitment to undermining ISIS operations and preventing the group from reestablishing a foothold in Syria.
The ongoing operations reflect a strategic shift in U.S. policy, as military leaders seek to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics on the ground. With the recent territorial losses for the Syrian government, the landscape has become more complex, necessitating a robust response from U.S. military forces.
