On Saturday, U.S. and Syrian troops engaged in a joint patrol in Palmyra, Syria, reportedly came under fire. Local officials confirmed the incident, noting that there were casualties among the forces involved. The U.S. Department of War acknowledged the reports but refrained from providing additional details at this time.
US and Syrian Troops Faced Ambush During Patrol
According to recent information, U.S. military and CIA operatives are actively involved in efforts to stabilize Syria amid ongoing conflicts. Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, highlighted the depth of American engagement in securing the region.
Update on U.S. Forces in Syria
As of June, approximately 1,500 U.S. troops are stationed in Syria. This number is expected to decline to several hundred by the year’s end due to strategic withdrawals. These forces primarily focus on combating the Islamic State (ISIS) in the area.
- Current U.S. troop presence in Syria: ~1,500
- Projected troop reduction by end of year: several hundred
- Number of U.S. military bases in Syria: originally 8, with closures leading to a reduced number
The U.S. military has maintained a presence in Syria since 2014 to prevent ISIS from establishing a caliphate. Over time, three of the original eight bases have been closed or handed over to local Syrian Democratic Forces.
Context and Background
In a related note, tens of thousands of Syrians recently commemorated the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime in Damascus. A year prior, former dictator Bashar al-Assad fled amid a widespread rebel offensive, marking a significant transition in Syria’s political landscape.
The ongoing challenges highlight the complex dynamics of power and security in the region, as both U.S. and Syrian forces navigate threats from various factions.
