President Obama plans to deploy a small number of special operations forces to Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Syria as part of its effort to fight the Islamic State, a U.S. official said Friday. The White House is expected to make an announcement Friday, which The New York Times reports will likely be framed as "an enhancement of current strategy," since Obama had long been opposed to putting boots on the ground. The troops, which Reuters reports are rumored to be "in the range of 20 to 30" in number, will be assisting and advising moderate rebels fighting the Islamic State.
The decision follows Russia's escalated military presence in Syria and Secretary of State John Kerry's meeting with Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, — who are using their interests in Syria to fight a proxy war — at peace talks in Vienna.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.