Al-Tanf, Syria. (December 5, 2024) In this photo by Staff Sergeant Emma Scearce, U.S. Soldiers provide toys and health care items to villagers during a security patrol in northeast Syria. There are roughly a thousand U.S. military personnel who are at greater risk of attack by various Islamic groups vying for power in Syria. American troops have been in Syria for the past ten years to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State. The U.S. presence also supports Washington’s Kurdish allies and helps contain the influence of Iran and Russia in the country. It also makes it more difficult for Iran to move weapons into Lebanon to support its proxy, the Lebanese Hezbollah.

The Americans are based at Al-Tanf, an outpost in occupied territory fifteen miles from the Iraq/Jordanian border. The 13-year civil war reignited with surprising speed resulting in a total collapse of the country in less than one week. Syrian strongman Bashar al Assad’s allies abandoned him and he is reportedly taking refuge in Russia.

Leading the offensive is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Organization for the Liberation of Greater Syria, a former al-Qaeda affiliate. In 2012, the U.S. and several other nations designated the group a terrorist organization. Back then they were known as the al Qaeda Syrian branch. The group has recently renounced the Islamic State’s tactics to project a more moderate image.

In the middle of this are American troops hunting ISIS forces while defending against drone and artillery attacks. Last week, U.S. forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups over the last 24 hours, according to Central Command. These missions are continuing as there are active al Qaeda cells in the region and about 10,000 fighters are currently held in detention facilities in the country.

Until some semblance of law and order is established, American troops are at greater peril than ever.