The United States has confirmed the presence of 2,000 troops in Syria, after the previously reported number was 900 troops.

Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant General Patrick Ryder, stated yesterday, Thursday, December 19, that the increase in the number of soldiers comes as additional rotating forces.

He added that the core of American troops will remain at 900 soldiers, noting that there are security and diplomatic considerations for announcing troop numbers.

On December 17, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller mentioned the possibility of sending additional forces to Syria during a press conference.

Miller indicated that his country continues to assess the situation in Syria and is considering the appropriate time to send personnel to participate in various activities.

He added that the US forces currently on the ground are the same ones operating as part of the International Coalition, and there are no other personnel on the ground at the moment.

American forces are deployed in areas of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and in the 55 zone with the Free Syrian Army in eastern Syria.

Recently, the areas of influence of the Free Syrian Army have expanded to include al-Qaryatayn east of Homs.

The US presence in Syria is framed within the context of combating the Islamic State group, and both the SDF and the Free Syrian Army are considered allies in the region, receiving support and military advice from the US.

Additionally, they are provided with armored vehicles, advanced weapons, munitions, and logistical equipment, as well as assistance, including air operations and airstrikes.

According to a study from the Jusoor For Studies Center last July, the number of military sites for the International Coalition, which includes US soldiers, stands at 32 sites, including 17 bases and 15 military points.

The Coalition’s military sites are spread across 17 sites in al-Hasakah province, nine sites in Deir Ezzor province, and three sites in Raqqa province.

Additionally, there is one site in each of Homs, rural Damascus, and Aleppo provinces.

According to Jusoor For Studies Center, the International Coalition’s sites are predominantly occupied by American, British, and French forces, with a symbolic representation from other Coalition countries.

The presence of the International Coalition Forces in Syria is part of the Joint Task Force for Operation Inherent Resolve, which is headquartered in Baghdad and currently focuses on advising, assisting, and enabling operations.

Syria also hosts other foreign bases for Russia, most notably the Hmeimim base in western Latakia and another in Tartus.