The US has insisted that they intend to keep the al-Tanf military base in Syria, along the Jordan and Iraq border. The US has also kept Syrian-backed forces out of the area, which is likely why some displaced tribes believed setting up shop in the area, at Rukban Camp, was a good idea.



In reality, they’re stuck in a remote desert with way too many people and way too little access to aid. To make matters worse, tribal representatives say that the recent aid convoy from the UN and Red Crescent was “cut short” by aggression.



And despite requests for the US to do something, there is no indication that they intend to. After all, the local rebel force are “Vetted Syrian Opposition” forces, endorsed by the US, and they’re a problem for the aid deliveries more than a help.



The problem feeding these people near the US base is leading the UN to focus on trying to relocate them back home to government-controlled Syria. The rebels don’t want that, however, because it sounds a bit too much like civilians fleeing rebel territory to seek government protection. There is also talk of preventing the buses that are coming to transport people from taking them home.





Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz