For the first time, the Pentagon disclosed that the number of Soldiers in Syria doubled right before Assad was overthrown and Syria collapsed into chaos.

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder opened his December 19th press conference by stating, “I learned today that, in fact, there are approximately 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria.”

He provided little information concerning where they came from and their purpose but did confirm they were there for missions supporting America's undeclared war against ISIS. Since Israel's war in Gaza started, there have been at least 181 attacks on U.S. forces in the region. Before the fall of Assad, only 900 Soldiers were stationed in Syria on 9-12 month rotations, but this surge may only last 90 days.

The United States remains in a perpetual war against terrorism but has never declared war on Syria.

President-elect Trump has publicly called for the U.S. to stay out of the conflict.