US to send special operations forces to Syria

WASHINGTON

The U.S. will send less than 50 Special Forces troops to Syria to advise, assist and train moderate Syrian opposition forces fighting Daesh, the White House said Friday.

Spokesman Josh Earnest maintained that the American troops will not take on a combat mission but acknowledged those sent to Syria will face significant risks.

“If we were envisioning a combat operation, we probably would be contemplating more than 50 troops on the ground,” he said, adding, “This is a dangerous place on the globe and they are at risk, and there's no denying that.”

The policy shift comes as key Syria ally Russia has begun a considerable air campaign in the country, which it says is devoted to fighting extremist groups, but which the U.S. and others say has also targeted moderate forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.