In a statement released by US Central Command, it was reported that twenty-two US service members sustained injuries in a helicopter mishap in northeastern Syria on Sunday. The incident, which did not involve any enemy fire, is currently under investigation to determine its cause and circumstances.
According to the statement, ten of the injured service members have been transported to higher care facilities outside the region for treatment. However, specific details about the type of helicopter involved in the mishap have not been disclosed.
The United States maintains a presence of approximately 900 troops in Syria, primarily concentrated in the northeast of the country. These troops are engaged in training and advising local forces in their ongoing fight against the Islamic State group.
The US military’s involvement in Syria dates back to 2014 when airstrikes against IS began. Additionally, the US has provided military support to Kurdish-led forces in their efforts against IS. In 2019, the US temporarily withdrew its troops from northern Syria but later redeployed them after Turkey initiated an offensive against Kurdish forces.
Emphasizing its commitment to the defeat of IS, the US has affirmed its intent to work alongside its partners in Syria. However, the recent helicopter mishap adds to a series of incidents involving US troops in the region.
In March, a US service member lost their life in a rocket attack on a US base in Syria. In February, a US drone was shot down by Syrian forces, and in January, a US service member was killed in a roadside bomb attack.
The ongoing investigation into the helicopter mishap highlights the significance of determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The US military remains dedicated to its mission in Syria, working diligently with its partners to ensure the defeat of the Islamic State group.
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