Syria: US investigates offensive inscription on military vehicle
The US-led coalition in Syria announced on June 6th an investigation into reports of “unapproved symbols or language” displayed on a US military vehicle near the city of Hasakah, in northeast Syria, according to Middle East Eye.
A day earlier, Middle East Eye (MEE) had reported spotting a US military vehicle marked with the word kafir — meaning “infidel” in Arabic — alongside a Christian cross. The term has often been used by the Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups during the conflict in Syria, gaining notoriety for being used to brand those they consider “non-believers,” including Muslims who do not align with their ideology.
Local residents condemned the inscription as “offensive” and a “provocation,” particularly in a region still grappling with the aftermath of IS activities, now stalled. A 34-year-old Kurdish woman, Jihan, told MEE: “We have nothing to do with IS, we don’t consider Americans to be kuffar [plural of kafir], and even less so the Christians who have always lived in Syria.”
In a written statement, the Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) commented on the incident. The statement said: “Markings of this nature violate U.S. Department of Defense policy.” The coalition added that a formal investigation had been launched and disciplinary measures would follow to address the situation.
“This incident does not reflect the professionalism of our personnel or our respect for the Syrian people,” the statement continued. “While fact-finding is underway, our mission remains unchanged: enabling the enduring defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq.”
The CJTF-OIR began its campaign in October 2014, leading efforts against IS across Syria and Iraq. However, earlier this week, US officials announced plans to reduce the American military presence in Syria, decreasing its military bases from eight to three in Hasakah, Maghrebi.org via Middle East Eye reported on June 3rd. Additionally, the number of US troops in the country — currently around 2,000 — is expected to be progressively halved in the coming months.
Middle East Eye, Maghrebi.org
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