DOD Announces 2,000 Troops in Syria, Department Prepared for Government Shutdown

The Protection Division at present introduced that there are roughly 2,000 U.S. troops deployed to Syria, which is roughly 1,100 greater than had been reported prior to now. “We’ve got been briefing [the media] repeatedly that there are roughly 900 U.S. troops in Syria,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Power Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder informed reporters.

“[However,] in gentle of the scenario in Syria and the numerous curiosity, we lately discovered that these numbers [are] larger, [and that] there are roughly 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria,” he continued.  

Ryder elaborated by making the excellence that the extra 1,100 personnel are thought of “short-term rotational forces” — usually in theater for 30 to 90 days — which can be deployed to fulfill the fluid mission necessities of U.S. Central Command’s space of accountability. 

Conversely, the opposite 900 personnel are thought of “core” belongings who’re on long run deployments that usually final roughly 9 to 12 months. 

Ryder defined that such fluctuations in numbers of personnel are sometimes fairly widespread, and that the extra forces have been in place since earlier than the Dec. 8 downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. 

Additionally, throughout at present’s briefing, Ryder stated the Protection Division is ready to proceed finishing up its mission regardless of the potential for a partial authorities shutdown starting Saturday.  

“Within the occasion of a lapse in funding and a shutdown of the federal government, the Division of Protection will proceed to hold out our basic accountability and mission to defend our nation and the American folks,” Ryder stated.  

“Army personnel on lively obligation — together with reserve part personnel on federal lively obligation — would proceed to report for obligation and perform assigned missions worldwide to defend our nation and shield our nationwide safety pursuits,” he continued. 

Ryder stated that, as DOD is a planning group, the division has been conducting “prudent planning and preparations for a possible shutdown,” noting that senior Protection Division management has been frequently updating contingency plans. 

“[Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III] and DOD leaders are monitoring the scenario intently and stay dedicated to doing the whole lot doable to mitigate the numerous impacts {that a} lapse in funding and subsequent shutdown would have on the division,” Ryder stated. 

Although Ryder made clear that lively part personnel and reserve part personnel at the moment on federal lively obligation would proceed to report for obligation within the occasion of a shutdown, he did level out the caveat that these service members wouldn’t be paid till new funds are appropriated by Congress.  

“Moreover,” Ryder continued, “[federal government] civilian personnel — together with army technicians — who will not be crucial to hold out or help accepted actions could be furloughed with a lapse in appropriations.” 

Ryder added that, as a lapse in funding may trigger “severe disruptions” for the Protection Division, such a shutdown continues to be avoidable. 

“DOD urges Congress to achieve a bipartisan, bicameral settlement on Fiscal 12 months 2025 appropriations and keep away from a [continuing resolution] — or worse — a authorities shutdown,” Ryder stated. 

Previous to this text’s publication, Home Republicans had agreed to a brand new authorities funding invoice that would come with a debt restrict enhance.  

A vote on the invoice is predicted at 6 p.m. EST.