The U.S. military intelligence agency has warned of Iran's efforts to "conduct or encourage" limited attacks against U.S. forces in northeastern Syria and to pressure them into withdrawing.
According to a report by the Pentagon's Inspector General, despite a decrease in the threat from ISIS in Syria, Iran prioritizes other objectives, including pushing the U.S. to exit the country, and may also seek to execute or encourage limited attacks against U.S. forces. The agency noted that Iran has attempted to recruit local Syrians in eastern Deir ez-Zor province to gather information about U.S. forces and coalition troops in Syria, possibly seeking to empower these individuals to carry out attacks on its behalf, indicating that Iran has maintained its presence in areas previously controlled by ISIS in eastern Syria to protect its logistical routes.
The document stated: "According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, despite the Iranian leadership's caution regarding escalating tensions with the United States ahead of the U.S. presidential political transition, it is likely that Iran will continue to plan operations against the U.S. throughout the region, including Syria. The Defense Intelligence Agency believes that Iranian-backed forces may retain their capability to attack U.S. interests and pro-Washington entities within Syria."
It is noteworthy that the report concerns the activities of the Joint Task Force in "Operation Inherent Resolve" against ISIS as reported by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. The document addressed the period from early October to December 9, 2020, stating that "Russia continues to carry out strikes against ISIS throughout Syria during this quarter, in support of the Syrian government's counterterrorism efforts."
