On March 27, Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops and locals intercepted another convoy of U.S. forces, consisting of five vehicles, near the town of Hammo in the northern countryside of al-Hasakah.
U.S. forces were apparently planning to conduct an armed patrol near the border city of al-Qamishli, which is located northwest of Hammo.
Pro-government sources released photos showing the locals and army personnel that blocked U.S. forces as well as a video showing armored vehicles retreating from Hammo.
In cooperation with government troops, Hammo’s locals intercepted two U.S. convoys on March 23 and 25 in a similar fashion.
Such incidents increased in the last few weeks. The Damascus government appears to be coordinating its efforts with local activists to limit the freedom of movement of US forces in northeast Syria.
Around 500 U.S. troops still remain in northeast Syria. These troops are deployed near key oil fields in southeast Deir Ezzor and northeast al-Hasakah, supposedly to “guard” them from ISIS.
