A U.S. Army soldier deployed overseas recently appeared in a viral video, fact-checking Vice President Kamala Harris’s claim during a presidential debate that no active-duty U.S. military members are currently deployed in combat zones. The soldier’s video highlighted the inaccuracy of Harris’s statement and drew attention to ongoing U.S. military operations in Syria.

Harris stated during the debate that no U.S. active-duty personnel are serving in combat zones, a claim quickly disproven by a soldier stationed abroad, Breitbart reported.

The video, which gained significant traction on social media, was posted on the Instagram account @NotinRegz. It showed a group of soldiers reacting to Harris’s statement from inside a military tent, with some questioning and even laughing at her claim.

Syria Deployment Highlights U.S. Military Presence

Although the video did not disclose the exact location of the soldiers, a comment on the post indicated that they likely stationed in northeast Syria. The U.S. military has maintained a presence in the region, continuing operations to combat terrorist threats like ISIS and al-Qa'ida. The Biden-Harris administration reports that nearly 1,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Syria, conducting missions to prevent terrorist resurgence.

The soldier in the video responded to Harris's comment with a surprised exclamation, “Wait, what?” before sarcastically asking, “So where the f-ck are we right now?” His reaction, along with the other soldiers’ laughter, underscored the disconnect between Harris’s debate statement and the realities faced by troops stationed abroad.

Ongoing Combat Operations Despite Harris’s Claim

Harris intended to highlight a milestone in U.S. military policy with her assertion during the debate that no U.S. active-duty members are in combat zones. She stated, “As of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world, the first time this century.” However, the viral video and ongoing reports about U.S. troops in Syria showed that her claim was incorrect.

The presence of U.S. military personnel in Syria was not a secret. In fact, recent reports confirmed the injuries of seven U.S. soldiers during a military raid in Iraq on August 31, 2024. In January 2024, an Iran-backed militia killed three U.S. soldiers in an attack on a base near the Jordan-Syria border.

JD Vance Condemns Harris’s Statement

Harris’s incorrect statement quickly drew criticism from Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance. Vance, commenting on the situation, expressed disbelief at her remarks, stating:

It’s astonishing for the vice president to say this. Just a couple of weeks ago you had American troops who were seriously injured, likely by Iranian-backed militias.

Vance’s criticism didn’t stop there. He questioned Harris’s fitness for office, saying, “She doesn’t know what’s going on around the world. She can’t articulate her own economic policies... I don’t want a vice president who doesn’t even know that we have troops in harm’s way. That’s not a leader that’s fit to serve.” His remarks echoed the concerns raised by many who watched the viral video of the soldier fact-checking Harris.

Combat Troops in Syria Continue Mission

While Harris aimed to underscore a broader reduction in U.S. military involvement in war zones, the ongoing presence of troops in Syria highlights the complexity of U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. military has been conducting operations in Syria for years, with nearly 1,000 troops stationed on bases across the region. Their primary mission has been to limit the resurgence of terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qa'ida.

The viral video added to the growing list of concerns about Harris’s understanding of military operations. The soldiers’ reactions and the video’s widespread attention served as a powerful reminder of the realities faced by deployed troops, even when official statements suggest otherwise.

Troops Continue Facing Dangers Abroad

The soldiers featured in the viral video were deployed to an undisclosed location, though their presence in Syria was implied. Despite Harris’s claim, these soldiers and others continue to face the risks associated with combat deployments. Injuries, such as those sustained by U.S. personnel during the August raid in Iraq, and fatalities, like those caused by the January militia attack, demonstrate the dangers that persist for American forces in the Middle East.

The disconnect between Harris’s debate statement and the reality of troops in combat zones sparked a larger conversation about the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of military policy. Critics pointed to these inconsistencies as evidence of a lack of awareness of the challenges facing active-duty personnel.

Public Reaction to Harris’s Combat Zone Claim

The viral nature of the soldier’s video underscored the frustration and confusion felt by some service members. The use of the Pinocchio emoji in the post, accompanied by the caption calling Harris “full of lies,” reflected the anger and disbelief among the soldiers. Social media users were quick to support the soldiers, with many pointing out the ongoing risks faced by U.S. forces in the region.

Harris has not yet addressed the viral video or clarified her debate statement. Meanwhile, the soldiers who fact-checked her in the video have become symbolic of the frustrations felt by those who continue to serve in dangerous regions abroad.

Future Implications of the Fact-Check

The soldier’s viral fact-check of Harris will likely have broader implications as the 2024 presidential campaign progresses. The debate will likely intensify in the coming weeks over how the administration handles military deployments and foreign policy, especially as more attention focuses on the realities faced by U.S. troops in Syria and other combat zones.

In the meantime, the viral video serves as a stark reminder of the gap between political rhetoric and the actual experiences of service members on the ground. The ongoing presence of U.S. military personnel in Syria contradicts Harris’s debate claims, bringing military issues to the forefront of the political conversation as the election season continues.