Photos of Strykers and up-armored Humvees flying U.S. flags were posted on social media over the weekend after the U.S. regional command confirmed that Special Forces troops in northeastern Syria had moved toward Manbij. Photo via Twitter
Reuters: Pentagon likely to acknowledge 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria: U.S. officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon is likely to announce in the coming days that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, two U.S. officials said on Friday, as the military acknowledges that an accounting system for troops has under-reported the size of forces on the ground.
The U.S. military had earlier publicly said it had around 500 troops in Syria, mostly supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces group of Kurdish and Arab militias fighting Islamic State in the north of the country.
Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon could, as early as Monday, publicly announce that there are slightly more than 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria. They said there was always a possibility that last minute changes in schedules could delay an announcement.
That is not an increase in troop numbers, just a more accurate count, as the numbers often fluctuate.
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Update #1: Pentagon expected to acknowledge there are 2K US troops in Syria: report (The Hill)
Update #2: As ISIS retreats, US is set to reveal troop numbers in Syria (CNN).
WNU Editor: These Forces may be staying in Syria for a while .... US intends to maintain military presence in Syria after Daesh defeat (Daily Sabah).
