Pentagon Reveals: Our Forces in Syria Double the Announced Number

Pentagon Reveals: Our Forces in Syria Double the Announced Number
Diplomatic and security concerns cited by Pentagon reflect sensitivity of U.S. military presence in Syria after Assad regime's fall
December 19, 2024, 11:05 pm

عربات برادلي في شمال سوريا \ متداول

The U.S. Department of Defense revealed a stunning surprise by announcing the presence of 2,000 American troops in Syria, exceeding twice the number previously announced.

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder acknowledged in a press conference that these forces were present in Syria before Assad regime's fall, citing security and diplomatic considerations to justify concealing the real number.

The new announcement contradicts previous Pentagon statements that specified its forces in Syria at only 900 troops, raising questions about the credibility of U.S. military data.

Ryder tried to soften the surprise's impact by describing the additional forces as "temporary" to meet changing mission requirements, confirming that core forces are limited to 900 troops.

When asked by a CNN correspondent about the reason for previous secrecy, the Pentagon spokesman again resorted to citing "diplomatic and security" concerns without providing clear explanations.

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