US forces have been in the region of the oil fields but the calculation now centers on whether more forces are needed to deter the Syrian regime and potentially Russian forces. The US may start moving the tanks and troops into eastern Syria, where the oil fields are, "relatively soon," according to two US defense officials familiar with the plan. The deployment of US tanks to the area underscores the risks being faced by American troops there given previous Russian and the regime's efforts to seize the oil fields. The tanks would bolster the protection of US troops in eastern Syria "against any incursion" into the area by other forces with tanks or armored units. The only forces in the region with armored forces are Russian or Syrian regime units.

Source: CNN October 24, 2019 20:46 UTC