US Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated on Friday that reinforcements would be sent to eastern Syria to defend oil friends from potential attacks by the Islamic State.
In addition, Esper described the forces as "mechanized," hinting at the possible usage of tanks and other combat vehicles. This would provide greater capabilities to US forces in the region, given that they have not been equipped with armored vehicles.
The tanks, however, are an uncertainty, as they could pose several challenges, including air transport and the overall size of the reinforcements, considering that such vehicles require ample supplies and support groups to function.
....COMING HOME! We were supposed to be there for 30 days - That was 10 years ago. When these pundit fools who have called the Middle East wrong for 20 years ask what we are getting out of the deal, I simply say, THE OIL, AND WE ARE BRINGING OUR SOLDIERS BACK HOME, ISIS SECURED!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2019
When asked about the shifting Syria strategy, Esper had several comments to make, making it a point that the mission has always been the prevention of the Islamic State's resurgence - "that mission remains unchanged."
"[The US is] considering how we might reposition forces in the area in order to ensure we secure the oil field. We are reinforcing that position. It will include some mechanized forces," Esper said at NATO, making it completely clear that the focus point is denying any access to the oil.
"If ISIS has access to the resources, and therefore the means to procure arms or to buy fighters or whatever else they do, then it means it makes it more difficult to defeat ISIS," Esper said.
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