Pentagon Says The Number Of US Troops In Syria Doubles What Was Announced Before

JAKARTA - The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) on Thursday said the country's army number reached 2,000 percent, more than double the previously announced 900 personnel, saying the additional troops were temporary and to support missions against ISIS.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told reporters he did not know how long the number had reached 2,000, but it was likely months before the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

"I know the number today, as someone who stands here and tells you 900, I want to know what we have on that," Major General Ryder said.

When asked by reporters how long the number of troops stood at 2,000, MayenRIDer did not give a specific period of time but said: "I think it might be fair to say, at least, months have been going on for quite a while."

Earlier, the United States had said publicly for several years it had 900 troops in Syria in collaboration with local forces to prevent the rise of ISIS, which in 2014 seized large parts of Iraq and Syria but was later pushed back.

President Joe Biden's administration has said US troops will remain in Syria, although President-elect Donald Trump can withdraw them when he takes office on January 20.

During his first administration, Trump tried to withdraw US troops from Syria, but had faced resistance from officials and eventually some troops remained.

Earlier this month, Syrian rebels toppled the Assad government and took control of the capital Damascus. The United States military continues to carry out attacks on ISIS militants.