"U.S. Special Forces Will Be Deployed Into Syria 'Very Soon'" Topic

"The special U.S. envoy to the global coalition to counter the Islamic State group (IS/ISIL) said dozens of U.S. special operations forces will be deployed "very soon" in Syria to work with Arab forces trying to isolate the group's self-proclaimed capital and end terrorist plots.

Brett McGurk said on U.S. television Sunday these anti-IS forces in recent weeks already have retaken territory and killed hundreds of IS fighters.

McGurk said he would not disclose the date, due to the sensitive nature of the U.S. deployment, but added that fewer than 50 special operations troops would enter northern Syria "very soon." Their mission, announced late last month, is aimed at providing anti-IS Arab forces training, advice and assistance…"
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Amicalement
Armand

I suspect "very soon" means they've been there for a month or two, already.

Indeed … after the French visit to the US yesterday. It's a good move geo-politically to show the US is going to do something more. Even it was planned previously …

However, from a military standpoint IMO, it's a good idea also. But again … some just don't get the concept of OPSEC. And it appears politics currently trumps all else.

If I was with those SF deploying, the only time I'd want the enemy to know we're there. Is when we'd be calling in CAS, etc., and the Daesh butchers are on the way to paradise.

Well … don't want to get DH'd !

AGree!

Amicalement
Armand

I suspect that this is merely an acknowledgement that SOCOM has troops in place already, so admitting it lets us tell our theoretical allies that the US has skin in this game too.

Remember, some missions do NOT want to be hidden.

Yes, some times a "demonstration" is a good tactic … but in this case I'd err on the side of caution … But that may just be me …

Hey, you're talking to the former ballistic missile sub crewman. I know more about OPSEC concerns than just about anyone else here.

And even those got announcements when they came out of drydock after their midlife refueling refits.

To say nothing of the first deployments of the Trident SSGNs, when the Navy announced one ship pulling into Guam, a second pulling into Yokosuka, and a third visiting Korea, all in the same week.

Indeed … I understand, I was a Bn Atomic Demolitions Mission Officer in the 101. With a TS. You may of had a higher clearance than that. But again, maybe my experience keeps me saying that too many in governmental leadership positions don't seem to understand OPSEC.