Skip to main content

Strikes raise threat to US troops in Syria

The Pentagon announced plans to increase the protection level for the 2,000 American troops in Syria after US-led strikes this weekend, highlighting risks to US troops on the ground.
Syrians wave Iranian, Russian and Syrian flags during a protest against U.S.-led air strikes in Damascus,Syria April 14,2018.REUTERS/ Omar Sanadiki - RC151A9ED3D0

As a US-led barrage of missiles rained down on suspected Syrian chemical weapons sites this weekend, Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford said the Pentagon would be taking greater precautions to protect 2,000 American troops on the ground.

The strikes came as US troops, whom the Pentagon says are in-country to stop the resurgence of the Islamic State, already face increasing risks of getting enmeshed in the wider civil war. Military commanders are particularly worried about the rising risk of an unintended confrontation with Russia, especially after a deadly clash with Russian mercenaries in February.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.