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Pentagon Reveals 2,000 U.S. Troops in Syria; No Plans to Withdraw

Dec 19, 2024, 09:20 PM

The Pentagon has revealed that the United States currently has approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed figure of 900. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced that he "recently learned" about the actual troop numbers, clarifying that the increase includes an additional 1,100 troops deployed on a temporary rotational basis to support the ongoing mission against the Islamic State group (ISIS). The additional forces are primarily Army personnel and are intended to meet shifting mission requirements. Maj. Gen. Ryder also stated that there are no plans for the United States to withdraw from Syria at this time. This disclosure marks a notable update from the Pentagon's earlier statements and clarifies the actual troop presence in Syria.