US deploys 400 extra troops to Syria

The US military confirmed yesterday that an extra 400 US troops have been deployed to Syria, including Marines who will support a major offensive to recapture Al-Raqqa, the de-facto capital of Daesh.

According to the New York Times, the increase, which includes a team of Army Rangers and a Marine artillery unit, has already arrived in Syria.

Read: US-coalition strikes near Syria’s Raqqa city kill 14

The Rangers’ presence became apparent last weekend when they were seen driving around the northern Syrian town of Manbij in Stryker vehicles and armoured Humvees.

We are preparing logistical and fire support to enable a successful assault on Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS [Daesh]

said Colonel John L. Dorrian, a spokesman for the American-led command that is fighting the terrorist group.

“The exact numbers and locations of these forces are sensitive in order to protect our forces, but there will be approximately an additional 400 enabling forces deployed for a temporary period to enable our Syrian partnered forces to defeat ISIS in Raqqa,” Dorrian added.