U.S. special operations forces run through a practice exercise in Iraq.
NBC News is
reporting:
The Obama administration is expected to announce on Friday a decision to deploy a small number of special operations forces in an advisory role to Syria, U.S. administration and congressional sources said.
One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the number of special operations forces to be deployed was "tiny" but did not give a number.
The sources said the move reflected a wider strategy of strengthening moderate rebels in Syria even as Washington intensifies its efforts to find a diplomatic solution to end to the four-and-a-half year Syrian civil war.
U.S. officials said on Wednesday that the administration was considering sending special operations forces into Syria and some attack helicopters to Iraq in the fight against ISIS, the ruthless Islamicist group that has gained supporters and territory in those two nations.
Moscow recently said that Russian special forces are engaged in Syria. No numbers were given.