US reinforces military presence in Syria

On Monday, at least 15 U.S. vehicles, including four M1097 Avenger air defense systems, passed through the al-Walid border gate and entered northeastern Syria. The convoy also included M1224 International MaxxPro MRAPs and Oshkosh M-ATVs, marking a significant reinforcement of U.S. military presence in the region.

It remains unclear whether these systems are destined for U.S. bases in the area or are intended for the YPG/PKK terrorist organization. However, it is evident that the PKK/YPG will receive training on these advanced systems.

Increased military presence

In an earlier move on July 21, 2024, another convoy of at least 20 U.S. vehicles, including additional M-1097 Avenger air defense systems, crossed into northeastern Syria through the same border gate.

A week prior, on July 14, 30 U.S. vehicles, including also M1097 Avenger air defense systems, entered Syria via the same border gate.

Continued US support to PKK/YPG terrorist group

The U.S. has deployed armored combat vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, high-caliber artillery systems, air defense systems, and thousands of trucks loaded with weapons and logistics to northeastern Syria. It is apparent that these assets will either be transferred to the terrorist organization PKK/YPG or could fall into the hands of other groups in the region after a U.S. withdrawal from Syria. A similar process unfolded in Afghanistan, witnessed by the entire world.

The U.S. not only brings these systems to the region but also provides military training and support to the YPG/PKK terrorist organization, which they consider as their “allies” in the region. The Turkish side has repeatedly conveyed to U.S. officials that these activities are contrary to the NATO alliance and the understanding of the ongoing alliance between the two states.

Background on shooting down Turkish UAV

On Oct. 5, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time, a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by a United States Air Force F-16 near U.S. forces in the Hassakeh region of Syria, where these Avenger air defense systems are also being deployed.

The Pentagon confirmed this incident as the first time Washington has brought down an aircraft of NATO ally Türkiye.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement after the incident stating “During the operation, a drone was lost due to differing technical assessments within the conflict de-escalation mechanism involving third parties.”

“Necessary measures are being taken to operate the conflict de-escalation mechanism more effectively with the relevant parties,” it added.

The ministry lastly noted that the incident has in no way affected the execution of the ongoing operation or the targeting of identified objectives.