The U.S. Department of Defense is deploying a small number of U.S. troops with M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to North-East Syria, according to U.S. Central Command.
U.S. Army Soldiers and M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles have arrived in northeastern Syria Sep 18, 2020.
The Army sent six Bradley vehicles, around 100 troops to North-East Syria to give troops fighter protection in the ongoing mission to defeat Islamic State, according to a coalition spokesman.
Pentagon has also deployed the Sentinel radar system which is used to help counter enemy drones and missiles and increased the frequency of U.S. fighter jet patrols over U.S. forces in Syria, according to Central Command.
M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles have arrived in North East Syria. The Bradley’s enable continued force protection for @Coalition partners in their ongoing #defeatdaesh mission. pic.twitter.com/5lY1HDwPf7
— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) September 18, 2020
“U.S. Central Command has directed a number of actions in northeast Syria to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces. The United States has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of U.S. fighter patrols over U.S. forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment U.S. forces in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA). These actions are a clear demonstration of U.S. resolve to defend Coalition forces in the ESSA, and to ensure that they are able to continue their Defeat-ISIS mission without interference. Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve re-postures elements in northeast Syria to ensure the protection of our forces and the continuation of the Defeat-Daesh mission. The Defense Department has previously deployed Bradleys to northeast Syria pursuant to these goals. The United States does not seek conflict with any other nation in Syria, but will defend Coalition forces if necessary,” said Captain Bill Urban, USN, U.S. Central Command Spokesman.
It is worth mentioning that the move of additional troops is taking place against the backdrop of an increase in the number of incidents involving Russian troops in the region.
In August, Russian wheeled armoured personnel carrier has rammed U.S. combat vehicles driven by Green Berets during patrolling in northeastern Syria.
In a new incident this week, US military choppers were seen circling a Russian army convoy in Hassakeh Governorate, following an apparent encounter with American ground troops.