Recent reports reveal that the number of US troops in Syria has been significantly higher than the Pentagon publicly disclosed. The Pentagon initially stated that there were around 900 troops in Syria, but it has now been revealed that the actual number is closer to 2,000. This increase in troop levels is attributed to the growing threat in the region.
The additional troops beyond the baseline 900 are described as 'temporary' by the Pentagon. These temporary forces, numbering approximately 1,100, are deployed for shorter durations to support force protection, transportation, maintenance, and other operational needs.
The surge in troop numbers in Syria followed an attack by Hamas on Israel last year, prompting the US to deploy additional assets and personnel to the Middle East. The Pentagon has acknowledged that the troop numbers have fluctuated over the years based on mission requirements.
Similarly, in Iraq, the Pentagon may have more than the stated 2,500 troops, with additional temporary enablers deployed on a rotational basis. The presence of US troops in Iraq is a sensitive issue for Iraqi officials, who have expressed a desire for the removal of international coalition forces from the country.
The US military presence in Syria is closely linked to support from troops in Iraq, and any increase in Syria could lead to a corresponding increase in Iraq. Defense officials maintain that the core number of troops in Syria has been consistent at around 900, primarily special operations forces, with temporary enabling forces augmenting the presence.
The practice of concealing the true number of troops in Syria dates back to the Trump administration, with reports of misleading senior military leaders about troop levels. Additionally, there are over 5,400 civilian contractors in Iraq and Syria, further complicating the overall military presence in the region.
