Pentagon Admits to Doubling Previous Estimate of US Troops in Syria

The Pentagon revealed Thursday that the number of US troops deployed in Syria is significantly higher than previously reported, admitting to some 2,000 soldiers on the ground – double the previously stated figure of around 900, Al Jazeera reports.

Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder acknowledged the discrepancy, stating that the updated count reflects the presence of an additional 1,100 soldiers who have been in Syria for “months, at a minimum.” Ryder explained that while 900 troops are on long-term deployment, the remaining 1,100 are considered temporary rotational forces. He clarified that the Pentagon only recently became aware of the higher number.

The revelation comes amidst escalating tensions in Syria following recent territorial gains by Turkish-backed Syrian fighters and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated by the US as a terrorist organization. These advancements have raised concerns about the future role of US forces in the region.

The US initially deployed troops to Syria in 2014 to combat ISIS, a mission which ostensibly continued even after the group’s territorial defeat in 2017. US forces have been closely allied with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control significant portions of eastern Syria. However, this alliance has strained relations with Turkey, a NATO ally, which considers the SDF a threat due to its links to Kurdish groups Turkey labels as terrorist organizations.

Despite the recent surge in fighting and the significant increase in the number of US troops revealed, Ryder insisted there are no plans to alter the US military presence in Syria. He reiterated the ongoing threat posed by ISIS as justification for maintaining the troop deployment.

“There are no plans to cease the ‘defeat ISIS’ mission. ISIS continues to maintain or to pose a significant threat,” Ryder said.

The Pentagon’s admission raises questions about transparency and the accuracy of previous statements regarding US troop deployments. The revelation also occurs against the backdrop of increased Israeli military activity in Syria, including airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets and expansion of Israeli occupation beyond the Golan Heights. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation throughout the Middle East. The US has also acknowledged engaging directly with the new authorities in Damascus, despite its official designation of HTS as a terrorist group.