US combat forces present in over a dozen countries: report

As part of its global war against terrorism, the US has deployed combat forces in over a dozen countries to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and support the operations.
America has deployed combat-equipped forces in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Somalia, Yemen, Dijibouti, Libya, Niger, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt, Jordan and Kosovo, according to a report submitted to the Congress yesterday by President Barack Obama.
The combat-equipped forces have been deployed to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and support the operations.
There are about 10,500 US forces in Afghanistan for the purposes of training, advising and assisting Afghan forces, conducting and supporting counter-terrorism operations against the remnants of al-Qaeda, and taking appropriate measures against those who directly threaten US and coalition forces in Afghanistan or provide direct support to al-Qaeda, he said.

"US Armed Forces have transitioned the lead for security to Afghan security forces while striking significant blows against al-Qaeda's leadership and preventing Afghanistan from being used to launch attacks against our homeland," Obama said.
US has currently deployed 3,550 forces in Iraq and about 50 personnel may be deployed in Syria, he said.

"US Armed Forces are conducting a systematic campaign of airstrikes and other necessary actions against ISIL forces in Iraq and Syria," Obama said.
US Armed Forces are also conducting airstrikes in Syria against operatives of al-Qaeda, including members of the al-Qaeda element known as the Khorasan Group, who are involved in al-Qaeda's plotting against the West, he said.

Fighter and strike aircraft, with approximately 375 US military personnel are deployed to Turkey in support of counter-ISIL operations and to support Turkish air sovereignty operations at the Turkish government's request, he said.
In Somalia, US forces have worked to counter the terrorist threat posed by al-Qaeda and associated elements of al-Shabaab, the US President said.
The US military has been working closely with Yemen to operationally dismantle and ultimately eliminate the terrorist threat posed by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the most active and dangerous affiliate of al-Qaeda.
The US has about 350 military personnel deployed to Niger to provide support for intelligence collection and to facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in the Sahel and with other partners in the region.

About 300 US military personnel are deployed to Cameroon, to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region.
Further there are another 300 military personnel deployed to the central Africa region. The total number of US forces in Jordan is approximately 2,000.
The US also has contributed about 700 military personnel out of the total strength of approximately 4,600 personnel in the NATO-led Kosovo Force.