U.S. forces continue to reinforce bases in North and East Syria

HASAKAH, Syria — The U.S.-led International Coalition continues to reinforce its positions in North and East Syria.

A convoy of about 60 trucks loaded with logistical and military supplies entered from Al-Waleed border crossing with the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI) towards the city of Zalin (Qamishli) before making its way to the Coalition bases near Hasakah city.

U.S. force have also recently moved M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles into place at bases in North and East Syria, bolstering their forces nearly four weeks after seven Americans were injured in a crash with a Russian military vehicle.

The combat vehicles will “ensure the protection of Coalition forces and preserve their freedom of movement” in the fight against the Islamic State, said Coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto on Friday.

“Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS, the degradation of its leadership, and the widespread refutation of its ideology, this violent Islamist extremist group still poses a threat,” Marotto stated via his official Twitter account.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey made an unannounced visit to North and East Syria over the weekend for, “separate meetings with senior officials of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the negotiating delegations of the ongoing Intra-Kurdish dialogue, and with ranking council members and tribal leaders from the Dayr al-Zawr region,” according to the U.S. Department of State.

The @coalition continues to support our partners bringing the fight to Daesh. Positioning M2A2 Bradley's in North East Syria provides force protection support to the continuing mission to #DefeatDaesh. pic.twitter.com/HM14QCGqgG

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) September 18, 2020

M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles have arrived in North East Syria. The Bradley's enable continued force protection for @Coalition partners in their ongoing #defeatdaesh mission. pic.twitter.com/5lY1HDwPf7

— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) September 18, 2020