American-supported troops in Syria join the battle as conflict persists in region’s northern part
The Pentagon announced that U.S. Central Command targeted enemy weapons systems in response to U.S. troops being fired upon.
Reports indicate fighting has broken out in eastern Syria between U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters and Syrian government forces.
Simultaneously, clashes are ongoing in the northwest of the country where anti-government factions, led by the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a major offensive last week.
The SDF stated that they are now responsible for safeguarding seven villages in Deir al-Zor that were taken from Syrian government forces.
However, Syrian state media countered that the government and its allies successfully repelled the SDF’s assaults on the villages.
The validity of the claims made by both sides could not be independently verified by The Epoch Times.
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These villages are situated near a military base that houses U.S. troops, with hundreds stationed there since 2015 in eastern and northeastern Syria.
Approximately 900 U.S. troops are presently in Syria, controlling oilfields on the east bank of the Euphrates River, while another 2,500 are stationed in neighboring Iraq.
This deployment is part of a U.S.-led coalition tackling the ISIS terrorist group that seized large territories in both countries in 2014.
The U.S. maintains that these deployments are necessary to prevent an ISIS resurgence, while Damascus views the U.S. presence in Syria as an “illegal occupation.”
U.S. forces in Syria collaborate closely with the armed, supported, and trained members of the SDF.
The U.S. support for the SDF has strained relations with Turkey, a NATO member, due to the Kurdish-led group’s associations with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—considered a terrorist organization by Ankara.
Similarly designated as a terrorist group by Brussels and Washington, the PKK has been engaged in a violent conflict with Turkey for the past 40 years, often targeting civilians.
The recent clashes in eastern Syria are not the first instances of violence between the SDF and forces loyal to Damascus.
In August, SDF fighters clashed with pro-government forces in Deir al-Zor Province, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Shortly after, the SDF launched attacks on several government-controlled military outposts in the area, reportedly causing the deaths of 18 Syrian soldiers.
U.S. soldiers provide M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in eastern Syria on Nov. 10, 2019. Spc. DeAndre Pierce/U.S. Army Reserve
‘Imminent Threats’
On Dec. 3, the Pentagon announced that U.S. Central Command had successfully neutralized threatening weapon systems in Syria.
According to Ryder, the targeted weapons systems included three mobile rocket launchers, a T-64 tank, and mortars.
The strike was carried out after multiple rockets and mortars—although the exact number was not disclosed—were launched at U.S. forces in the area.
Ryder stated that these defensive actions effectively eliminated immediate threats to U.S. personnel.
The Pentagon is still investigating the identity of the individuals operating the weapons, with Ryder noting that Iranian-backed militia groups have carried out similar attacks in the past.
Ryder clarified that these self-defense actions were not part of broader activities in northwest Syria by other groups.
The primary focus remains on protecting U.S. forces and continuing counter-ISIS operations in partnership with the SDF.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
