U.S./Coalition mission in At Tanf remains unchanged; Displaced persons at Rukban, Syria freedom of movement is unrestricted

"The U.S. continues to maintain a presence in the At Tanf deconfliction zone as a part of our efforts to secure the lasting defeat of ISIS. 

This deconfliction zone was established in accordance with an understanding between the United States and Russian Federation to deconflict our efforts to defeat ISIS and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding, miscalculation, or unintended conflict with Syrian, Russian or other forces operating in the area. 

We continue to work with our partners in Syria to eliminate ISIS and deny them the ability to reconstitute.  The United States fully supports a process to allow displaced persons movement that is free from coercion and allows for safe, voluntary, and dignified departures for those wishing to leave Rukban; and we welcome and have welcomed the involvement of appropriate UN agencies in this endeavor. 

Contrary to Syrian regime and Russian propaganda, the United States does not restrict the freedom of movement of any displaced persons in the Rukban camp."

- CAPT Bill Urban, USN, USCENTCOM Spokesman