Homs governor says refugees afraid to return to Palmyra because of US presence

“Few people have returned — only 200 families… People are worried, they are afraid to return to Palmyra, as well as to Sukhnah, because they are close to the US base At Tanf. There are US troops there, as well as several IS units, which are wandering in the desert,” Talal Barazi said.

He added that Syrians would feel secure only once Daesh eliminated, and the US servicemen leave At Tanf.

Syria has been torn by civil war since 2011, with the government fighting numerous opposition groups and terrorist organizations. The Syrian forces regained control of Syrian Palmyra in March 2017.