October 30, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC – Scaling up its operations in Syria significantly, the US will send less than 50 Special Operations forces to aid and advise rebels fighting the Islamic State, according to media reports.
October 30, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC – Scaling up its operations in Syria significantly, the US will send less than 50 Special Operations forces to aid and advise rebels fighting the Islamic State, according to media reports.
The United States will deploy “fewer than 50” special operations forces to northern Syria in an advisory role, US officials said on Friday, as major powers met in Vienna to find a political solution to the conflict.
President Barack Obama “has authorized a small complement — fewer than 50 — of US Special Operations Forces to deploy to northern Syria, where they will help coordinate local ground forces and coalition efforts to counter ISIL,” said a senior administration official, referring to the Islamic State group.
They dig out enemy secrets, perform daring rescue operations and stealth missions, and take on the tasks no one else can do. The brave soldiers of the special operation forces around the world go through rigorous training and spearhead some of the most challenging military operations thrown their way. An integral part of armed forces of any nation, these elite troops are indeed the best of the best.
The US has so far only conducted air strikes in Syria along with its coalition partners, with very few ground raids.
However, it has Special Forces in aid and advice roles across the border in Iraq.
This development comes as foreign ministers from 20 countries were meeting in Vienna to discuss Syria and the future of its leader Bashar al-Assad.
There appears to be some convergence of positions on Assad’s future among his allies Russia and Iran, and the US, Saudi Arabia and others.
Both sides agreed he must go, but not immediately. He could stay on for a few months to facilitate a smooth transfer of power.
Courtesy: AFP
