Recent Pentagon data reveals that more than 4,500 American service members will be spending Christmas in Iraq and Syria.
This number includes the acknowledgment of approximately 1,100 additional troops deployed in these areas—notably higher than earlier reports indicated.
Current Troop Levels
Previously, U.S. military authorities reported around 900 troops stationed in Syria and about 2,500 in Iraq, all in support of operations against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
However, Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, has now clarified that the troop presence in Syria is closer to 2,000, while in Iraq, the figure exceeds 2,500.
General Ryder explained that at least 2,500 U.S. military personnel are currently engaged in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) and the broader campaign against ISIS in Iraq.
He noted that, along with these forces, there are additional troops on short-term, rotational assignments focusing on force protection and essential maintenance.
Due to operational security and diplomatic regulations, he emphasized that no further details could be disclosed.
Operational Context
The status of the U.S. presence in Iraq remains largely under wraps, despite a bilateral security agreement signed earlier this year.
U.S. officials have not commented on any potential withdrawals of American forces from the region.
These insights from Ryder came in response to a question during a Pentagon briefing on December 19, where he confirmed the deployment of the additional 1,100 troops in Syria for short-term tasks.
Tensions have escalated since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas, which have led to a rise in assaults on U.S. troops by Iranian-backed groups throughout the Middle East.
Reports indicate an increase in these incidents in both Iraq and Syria between mid-October and late November.
Historical Context
This latest admission from the Pentagon isn’t the first of its kind; it echoes previous occurrences, such as in August 2017, when officials conceded that troop levels in Afghanistan were higher than initially reported.
Source: Taskandpurpose