US Forces Stay at 'Last Cleared Position' While Advising SDF in Syrian Al Tabqa

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — At present, the SDF is fighting Daesh in the operation to free the Tabqa dam, which is critical for the offensive on Raqqa.

"US forces remain at SDF leadership headquarters to effectively advise ground force commanders. They position themselves within the force to the last cleared position to effectively assist our partner forces and enhance their capabilities," the spokesperson said on Sunday.

"Those pictured in the link are not US Marines," the coalition spokesperson said when asked to clarify who was caught on camera. "Regarding US presence along SDF ground forces, our advise, assist and accompany relationship has not changed."

In February, US Department of Defense spokesperson Jeff Davis said US troops involved in operations against Daesh are not on the front lines themselves, but they are "very close to the people that are."

The United States usually deploys Special Operations forces to work in “train, advise and assist” role in Syria. The US Marines who arrived in the country earlier in March are helping with logistics capability and provide "flexible all weather fire support" to Syrian partners, according to the US Central Command.