Pentagon says US troop count in Syria doubles to 2,000
American troops in Syria. (Photo via Getty)
The Pentagon acknowledged Thursday that the number of U.S. troops in Syria has surpassed previous estimates, now totaling 2,000, more than double the previously disclosed figure.
The announcement came from Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who explained that 1,100 of the troops were sent on a temporary basis to assist in the ongoing fight against Daesh, in addition to the 900 U.S. personnel stationed in Syria for longer-term counterterrorism operations.
Ryder noted that the increased deployment was driven by “shifting mission requirements” and concerns over diplomatic and operational security in the region. “A certain element of this also goes into diplomatic and operational security concerns as it relates to the region,” he said, adding that the decision to disclose the new troop number was made after a reassessment of the information being provided to the public.
The forces deployed are largely composed of U.S. Army personnel, including both conventional and special operations troops. Ryder also clarified that the additional forces have been in Syria for “a while,” with some troops having been there for “months.”
He further confirmed that the increase in troop levels predates the collapse of the Assad regime earlier this month, but he emphasized that the additional deployment remains temporary.
This increased military presence comes as U.S. officials continue to navigate complex security concerns in the region, particularly in the wake of shifting power dynamics and ongoing anti-Daesh operations.
