The United States is not deepening its role in the Syrian war but will act defensively when needed, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said following strikes against advancing militia backed by Syria's government.
"No. We are not increasing our role in the Syrian civil war. But we will defend our troops. And that is a coalition element made up of more than just U.S. troops, and so we will defend ourselves (if) people take aggressive steps against us," Mattis said, commenting on the strikes. 

Source: QNA