Biden Administration Secretly Doubles U.S. Troops in Syria Amid Growing Instability

The Defense Department disclosed on Thursday that the Biden administration has more than doubled the number of U.S. troops in Syria, increasing the total from approximately 900 to around 2,000. This surge in military presence occurred over the past several months, preceding the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Pentagon spokesman Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder explained at a briefing that the additional troops were deployed temporarily to bolster efforts against ISIS.

The increase comes despite former President Donald Trump’s efforts to withdraw American troops from Syria after the ISIS caliphate’s defeat. During his presidency, Trump faced significant opposition from the Pentagon and foreign policy officials, ultimately agreeing to maintain a small force to guard Syrian oil fields.

Just weeks before Assad’s regime collapsed, Trump reiterated his stance on Syria, warning against U.S. involvement in the country’s civil war. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”

Syria’s opposition forces, in a highly coordinated offensive, have taken control of several cities and are closing in on Damascus. Russia’s inability to assist its long-time ally Assad, largely due to heavy losses in the Ukraine conflict, has left the Syrian regime vulnerable. With over 600,000 Russian soldiers reportedly lost in Ukraine, Moscow’s capacity to influence the situation in Syria appears diminished.

The geopolitical instability has also raised concerns about Turkey’s intentions in Syria. Reports suggest that Turkey may be preparing for a large-scale invasion into Kurdish-controlled territory. U.S. officials are wary of Turkish military buildups along the Syrian border, particularly near the Kurdish-majority city of Kobani.

Ilham Ahmed, a Kurdish opposition leader, warned of an imminent Turkish invasion in a letter to President-elect Donald Trump. Published by The Wall Street Journal, the letter urged Trump to persuade Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to abandon any planned incursions. “If Turkey proceeds with its invasion, the consequences will be catastrophic,” Ahmed wrote, expressing confidence in Trump’s ability to influence Erdogan’s actions.

Despite the ongoing troop increase and regional volatility, the Biden administration has not publicly detailed its long-term strategy in Syria. As tensions rise, questions remain about America’s role in the region and the potential consequences of continued military involvement.

The Syrian conflict’s resolution, alongside Turkey’s possible invasion, could shape U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Middle East for the foreseeable future.

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