The Pentagon announced on December 19 that the number of U.S. troops stationed in Syria has risen to approximately 2,000, up from the previously stated figure of 900. Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed that the additional troops had been deployed several months ago.Ryder stated that he only recently became aware of the updated troop count. He emphasized that the increase was unrelated to recent regional developments, including the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the resurgence of Islamic State (IS) activity, or ongoing operations against the group.
