The Department of Defense revealed on Thursday that the number of U.S. troops currently in Syria is more than double what had been previously disclosed.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addressed the discrepancy during a briefing, confirming that while the official count has consistently been reported as approximately 900 troops, the actual number is closer to 2,000.
JUST IN⚡️
The Pentagon reveals 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed figure of 900. pic.twitter.com/HP5Eg3Rsnh
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 19, 2024
Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
“In light of the situation in Syria and the significant interest, we recently learned that those numbers [are] higher,” Ryder explained. “[There are] approximately 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria.”
Ryder clarified that the additional 1,100 troops are “temporary rotational forces” deployed to support ongoing mission requirements.
These deployments typically last between 30 and 90 days.
According to Maj. Gen. Ryder, the increased troop presence has “been going on for a while” and spans “at a minimum, months.”
However, he emphasized that the additional forces are strictly focused on counter-ISIS operations and are unrelated to recent events, such as the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad’s regime two weeks ago.
THEM: Pete Hegseth isn’t qualified to run the Pentagon.
THE PENTAGON: We just learned that there are not 900 U.S. troops in Syria–there’s actually 2,000.pic.twitter.com/tZ57O4At7Q
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) December 20, 2024
The Pentagon’s acknowledgment comes amid heightened scrutiny and repeated questions about U.S. military activities in Syria.
Until now, the stark increase in troop presence had not been disclosed publicly, prompting concerns about transparency.
So, the people who have failed 7 audits in a row don’t how many troops we have in Syria? Shocking https://t.co/wEp2Kj32j7
— Cullen (@CullenBiringer) December 19, 2024
When asked why the updated troop numbers had not been shared earlier, Ryder stated that he had only been made aware of the larger figure earlier on Thursday.
Wait a minute, the PENTAGON just learned today how many troops are in Syria?! No wonder they can’t figure what’s been flying over NJ.
— DWM (@YaKnowThatThing) December 19, 2024
He cited “sensitivity from a diplomatic and operational security standpoint” as a primary reason for withholding the information.
Ryder also mentioned that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was aware of the increased troop numbers but had not discussed the matter with Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, who oversees U.S. Central Command.
The Pentagon maintained that the presence of the additional troops is part of the ongoing efforts to combat ISIS in the region.
The temporary nature of the rotational forces is intended to adapt to evolving mission requirements while supporting U.S. objectives in Syria.
This revelation comes at a time when questions about the U.S. role in Syria’s volatile landscape continue to emerge, with policymakers and the public alike calling for greater clarity and accountability regarding military operations abroad.
.
