The US Military once again defies Trump on Syria

The US Military once again defies Trump on Syria. The Pentagon is pushing back against Donald Trump, who is set to take office on January 20th, after he questioned America’s presence in Syria. In response to Trump’s statement “we have nothing to do (in Syria)” Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder revealed that U.S. troop numbers in Syria have reached 2,000 – more than double the previously reported 900. These troops remain actively deployed with no plans for withdrawal.

This announcement should be considered alongside the rather unconvincing statement made to Reuters by SDF leader Mazlum “Kobani” Abdi Shahin about “PKK members returning to Iraq.” Perhaps the U.S. is laying groundwork to claim the SDF is now PKK-free – conveniently forgetting that they themselves helped the PKK establish the SDF.

Troop numbers: 2,000

What’s particularly striking about this announcement – one that has raised concerns in Ankara – is the Pentagon spokesman’s curious choice of words at the December 19 press briefing, suggesting they had just “learned” of the increase.

This Pentagon disclosure followed shortly after Trump cited official figures of 900 troops. It appears that after Trump deftly shifted journalists’ questions about Syrian withdrawal to focus on Turkish influence in the region, the Pentagon felt compelled to issue an “update.” They revealed that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Qatar had elevated troop levels to 2,000 without prior notification.

CENTCOM operates as a formidable force based in Qatar, overseeing a vast 4-million-square-kilometer region spanning 21 countries from Egypt to Kazakhstan and Pakistan – essentially controlling the world’s most crucial energy production and transportation corridors. Just as the Pentagon functions as a quasi-state within the U.S. government, CENTCOM operates as an autonomous force within the military, wielding influence across the Middle East reminiscent of medieval feudal lords. Their power stems significantly from weapons industry and energy lobby interests.

The SDF partnership and Syrian oil

It’s CENTCOM that has been cooperating with the SDF, whose backbone has been the PKK’s Syrian branch PYD/YPG for the last 10 years, as infantry force against ISIS, while also maintaining control over Syria’s oil regions and getting their operation for free.

This dynamic was clearly demonstrated during Trump’s first term. When Trump campaigned on withdrawing from Syria, both CENTCOM and the Pentagon mounted opposition. Ultimately, CENTCOM’s position prevailed over the President’s, and the American military presence in Syria actually doubled from roughly 400 to 800-900 troops. Now we learn that this number has quietly reached 2,000 – all before Assad’s anticipated fall.

Trump’s apparent attempt to incite Turkey serves a purpose. One must consider the possibility of a scenario where Türkiye could be held accountable not only for its actual actions in Syria but also for matters beyond its control. If the situation deteriorates – particularly if HTS’s claims of reform prove hollow and violence resurges – Ankara might find itself bearing the blame.