The Pentagon revealed on Thursday (December 19) that the actual number of U.S. troops currently stationed in Syria stands at approximately 2,000, more than double the publicly acknowledged figure of 900.
The additional personnel, described as temporary forces, have reportedly been deployed to support missions targeting the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder addressed the discrepancy during a briefing, explaining that the previously undisclosed increase stemmed from temporary deployments and the rotation of troops.
"It's not uncommon for these numbers to fluctuate as units rotate in and out. But given the current situation in Syria, I was recently made aware that the numbers were significantly higher than the approximate 900 we had been reporting," Ryder said.
The core group of approximately 900 troops represents long-term deployments of 9 to 12 months, according to Ryder. In contrast, the temporary forces, typically on rotations of 30 to 90 days, are brought in to address emerging mission needs associated with the fight against ISIS.
He declined to provide a breakdown between conventional and special operations forces but emphasized that all deployed personnel are focused on defeating ISIS.
Ryder noted that part of the mission also involves ensuring diplomatic and operational security in the region. The discrepancy in troop numbers prompted a review, with Ryder stating, "Given the difference in the numbers we've been providing, I made the decision to disclose the updated figure."
When pressed about how long the higher troop levels have been in place, Ryder admitted he could not pinpoint an exact timeline but suggested it had been ongoing for months, predating the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The revelation echoes similar cases in the past where troop numbers in active deployment zones were underreported, raising questions about transparency in U.S. military operations abroad.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth landed in Panama late on Monday for his first official visit to the country as questions persist about President Donald Trump's repeated vows to take back the Panama Canal.
The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of more military assets to the Middle East, responding to escalating tensions with Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that the move aims to bolster regional stability and enhance defense capabilities.
The Department of Defense has initiated an investigation into recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information, announcing that polygraph tests will be used as part of the probe, according to a memo published on the department’s website on Friday.
The U.S. military is reviewing options to ensure American access to the Panama Canal, two officials told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues to push for greater U.S. control over the strategic waterway.
The U.S. Department of Defense is overhauling its software acquisition strategy to open the door wider to commercial and nontraditional software providers.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry, marking his latest attempt to boost U.S. access to nickel, copper and other critical minerals used widely across the economy.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 25th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia said its air defences shot down 87 Ukrainian drones over four border regions early Thursday, while simultaneous missile-and-drone strikes on Kyiv left at least 12 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry, marking his latest attempt to boost U.S. access to nickel, copper and other critical minerals used widely across the economy.
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