The visits were made in cooperation with the Syrian Self-Defense Forces, (SDF) which operate in the region alongside the US in a years-long effort to root out any ISIS fighters.
The medical visits are seen by the US as part of an effort to work with the SDF to bring stability to the region, so ISIS cannot take hold, a defense official with direct knowledge of the program told CNN. . Altogether, there are about 900 US troops in Syria.
American officials are emphasizing the medical work led by the SDF and the American forces working under them. However, security remains a sensitive question due to ISIS, Russian forces and the regime operating in the region at times. All US military provide their own security.
According to Major Charles An, a spokesman for the Joint Task Force-Levant, US special operations personnel participated in two medical visits in Deir Ezzor, northeastern Syria in November.
The area has seen widespread fighting in recent years. According to An, the army examined and treated nearly 200 patients at hospitals and helped distribute medical supplies.
Local residents had to travel several hours to the nearest healthcare providers as Deir Ezzor largely provided first aid after years of conflict.
There have been seven visits so far in the past year, including two from last month, according to An.
While US special operations forces have long carried out humanitarian relief missions in conflict zones and underserved communities, efforts in Syria come as the Pentagon is rethinking the use of force after the withdrawal of Afghan troops from Afghanistan.
This summer, all special operations operations in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt were consolidated under a renamed headquarters now known as the Joint Special Operations Task Force. distinct-Levant. The renaming is an attempt to recognize violent extremist and terrorist organizations operating across large areas, requiring a more regional approach, said Lt Col. Tony Hoefler, a spokesman for the agency. United States Special Operations Command.
