After other officials say US weighing sending thousands more soldiers, Mark Esper says 'we have sufficient capability in the theater to deter what we need to deter'

Pentagon mulling deployment as violence spreads in Islamic Republic and intelligence points to a growing threat from regime

Navy’s top official allegedly proposed deal with White House behind Esper’s back to resolve matter of a disgraced Navy SEAL whose case has been championed by Trump

US president contradicts his own aides, GOP leadership, who insist remaining American soldiers will continue fight against Islamic State

Following death of terror leader, Washington makes further moves to protect area's oil fields from extremists, Syria, Russia

Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley says some soldiers to stay in Syria, where security situation 'remains complex'; can't confirm IS head died whimpering and crying

Experts doubtful whether new plans to secure oil fields amid troop withdrawal are realistic, or even legal

Deployment will likely include tanks; Esper does not give details on troop numbers but says despite Trump vow to bring soldiers home, many will be repositioned

Turkey and Kurdish-led SDF also fighting despite truce; clashes underscore risk of spiraling violence as multiple armies jostle for position in volatile border region

Defense Department announcement comes as Trump draws criticism for vowing to protect Syria's fuel reserves even as he heralds withdrawal of American troops