DUBAI, (TDI): American officials recently acknowledged concealing the actual number of US troops stationed in Syria, citing diplomatic and security concerns.
On Monday, the Pentagon suggested that the stated 2,500 troops in Iraq might also not reflect the real number.
For years, the Pentagon reported approximately 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of efforts to combat ISIS.
However, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder disclosed last week that the number of troops in Syria was over double what was previously reported.
Ryder explained that an additional 1,100 troops were temporarily deployed for “shifting mission requirements” and the D-ISIS mission.
He described these deployments as short-term, supporting roles like force protection, transportation, and maintenance.
Troops Presence Numbers Fluctuate
He also admitted that the numbers fluctuated over time due to increasing threats against baseline forces. Operational security and diplomatic considerations were cited as reasons for withholding these details.
Regarding Iraq, Ryder confirmed the presence of additional temporary forces alongside the 2,500 troops but declined to provide specifics due to similar security concerns. Officials noted the increase in troop numbers in Iraq mirrored that of Syria, driven by heightened threat assessments.
The Pentagon has been holding frequent meetings in the wake of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Moscow.
A significant concern is the ongoing conflict between Turkey and its supported factions against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, a key US ally in combating ISIS, also oversees ISIS detention facilities in Syria.
As the Biden administration’s term nears its end, questions remain about future US policy under the incoming Trump administration.
Before Assad’s fall, Trump’s team signaled opposition to a Syria led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
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Former US envoy Joel Rayburn dismissed al-Sharaa’s plans for leadership, citing Syria’s rejection of another dictatorship.
Rayburn reiterated that HTS is designated as a terrorist organization and that regional neighbors oppose an HTS-dominated government, advocating for a UN-led political process per Resolution 2254.
Though the Biden administration lifted a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa, the group remains on the terror list. Meanwhile, al-Sharaa claims he aims to form an inclusive government, holding meetings with US and regional officials.
Trump Might Adopt New Policy in Syria
President-elect Trump criticized the situation in Syria, suggesting the US should avoid involvement. After Assad fled, Trump emphasized that Russia and Iran were weakened by their respective challenges.
During his first term, Trump sought troop withdrawals from Syria but now faces an increased US presence in both Syria and Iraq.
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Washington had previously agreed with Baghdad to conclude the US-led D-ISIS Coalition and reduce troop numbers at certain bases.
However, the situation shifted after Assad’s departure, with Iraq potentially requesting an extension of US troop presence due to regional security concerns.
Another challenge for the US is balancing relations with Turkey, a NATO ally, and the SDF, which Turkey views as tied to the terrorist-designated PKK.
Despite US-SDF cooperation in fighting ISIS, Turkish attacks have strained the alliance. Following recent Turkish strikes, SDF leaders accused the US of abandoning its Kurdish allies.
US officials, including CENTCOM’s Gen. Erik Kurilla, have met with SDF leaders amid rising tensions.
Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf indicated a possible reevaluation of the SDF’s role near Kobani, noting that the conditions necessitating their organization had significantly changed after Assad’s fall.
