The Pentagon has disclosed a significant increase in the number of U.S. troops stationed in Syria, now totaling approximately 2,000, surpassing the previously disclosed count of 900.

The startling revelation comes as regional tensions rise following Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's fall and increasing Turkish military actions against Syrian Democratic Forces, as Fox News reports.

Brig. Gen. Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, during a recent briefing, stated the higher troop count reflects the inclusion of temporary rotational forces not previously accounted for in the standard troop reports.

"We have been briefing you regularly that there are approximately 900 U.S. troops deployed to Syria. In light of the situation in Syria, and in significant interest, we’ve recently learned that those numbers were higher," Ryder explained to reporters.

Details on U.S. Troop Deployment Emerge

Ryder highlighted that the troop numbers tend to fluctuate based on mission demands, indicating that the additional deployments could have been in place for months.

This adjustment in numbers was deemed necessary to disclose due to the heightened scrutiny and evolving military needs in the region.

"It was explained to me these additional forces are considered temporary rotational forces that deploy to meet shifting mission requirements, whereas the core 900 deployers are on longer-term deployments," he added.

Syrian Political Shifts Prompt Military Reassessments

The political landscape in Syria has changed dramatically with President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia on Dec. 8, after nearly 14 years at the helm.

This departure has led to an uptick in regional instability, particularly with Turkey’s escalated military engagements against the SDF.

These developments have forced the U.S. to reconsider its military presence and strategy in Syria, especially in light of the ongoing efforts to suppress ISIS resurgence.

Impact on ISIS Detention Facilities

Gen. Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, expressed concerns about the security of ISIS detention centers, particularly the Raqqa prison, which holds about 1,000 former ISIS fighters.

"All of the prisons still are under our control. However, the prisons and camps are in a critical situation because who is guarding them? They are leaving and having to protect their families," Abdi explained.

Abdi revealed that half of his forces tasked with guarding these facilities have been redirected to defend against Turkish advances, severely hampering their ability to secure these volatile sites.

Questions Arise Over U.S. Military Transparency

Fox News Pentagon correspondent Jennifer Griffin raised questions about the duration of the undisclosed troop deployments.

"This is more than double the number of troops that we’ve been told for quite some time. So, are we talking about this that has been going on for months? For years? Is this something that just happened this summer? We need a time frame," she said.

Ryder responded, hinting at the duration of these deployments, "Yeah, I think it would probably be fair to say at a minimum, months. I’ll go back and look. But it’s…yeah, it’s been going on for a while."

Future Implications for U.S. Involvement in Syria

The increased transparency about troop levels may lead to more robust discussions regarding U.S. military strategy in Syria and its implications for regional stability.

With the U.S. now revealing more about its military commitments, it remains to be seen how this will influence future operations, especially against the backdrop of ISIS threats and regional military dynamics.