U.S. Troop Presence in Syria Doubles Amid Diplomatic Engagement
The Pentagon has revealed that the number of U.S. troops in Syria has increased to approximately 2,000, more than double the previously reported figure of 900. This increase, confirmed by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, is part of a strategy to combat ISIS and respond to evolving mission needs. The additional forces are categorized as temporary rotational troops, while the core of 900 remains on longer-term deployment. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Syria since 2014, collaborating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to counter ISIS, which has not held territory in Syria since 2019.
Diplomatic Mission to Engage with New Syrian Authorities
In a significant diplomatic move, a U.S. delegation has arrived in Damascus to engage with the newly established Syrian authorities following the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the first formal U.S. diplomatic mission to Syria since the civil war began in 2011. The delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, includes Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and Senior NAA Adviser Daniel Rubinstein. They are set to meet with representatives from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., to discuss the future of Syria and potential U.S. support.
International Reactions and Future Implications
The U.S. diplomatic engagement comes as Western nations, including France, Germany, and the UK, have also begun to renew ties with Syria. The delegation's discussions will focus on promoting unity among the new Syrian authorities and addressing pressing issues such as human rights and the prevention of terrorism. The U.S. aims to ensure that ISIS does not exploit the power vacuum created by the Assad regime's fall. As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the actions of the new Syrian leadership and the implications for regional stability.
