Kamala Harris’ claim that there are no active duty U.S. troops in any war zone needs context

During the debate, Harris made the following claim in response to a question about the United States’ chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021:

“As of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world — the first time this century,” Harris said.

Multiple VERIFY readers, including Carol, Kris, Lakesha, Rebecca and Stacie, have sent us messages asking if Harris’ claim is true.

THE QUESTION

Is Vice President Kamala Harris’ claim that there are no active duty U.S. troops in a combat zone in any war zone true?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

Vice President Kamala Harris’ claim that there are no active duty U.S. troops in a combat zone in any war zone is lacking context.

Although there are currently several thousand U.S. service members deployed in federally designated combat zones, “the U.S. is not currently engaged in a war and does not have troops fighting in active war zones anywhere in the world,” a Department of Defense official told VERIFY.

WHAT WE FOUND

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be choosing her words carefully during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, but her claim needs additional context.

“Combat zones” are typically designated by presidential executive order and the Secretary of Defense, and are mostly for pay and tax purposes.

“The U.S. is not currently engaged in a war and does not have troops fighting in active war zones anywhere in the world,” a Defense official told VERIFY.

President Joe Biden also said in July that “the United States is not at war anywhere in the world.”

However, there are still several thousand U.S. troops deployed around the world, in places like the Middle East, who are actively fighting in federally designated combat zones.

“The mission is to advise, assist and enable partner forces in the defeat of ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria,” the DOD says.  

There are also roughly 800 troops in Syria that conduct periodic strikes against Al-Qaeda and other Iran-backed militias, according to the Congressional Research Service.

On Sept. 10, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on X confirming that U.S. forces had successfully destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles and two missile systems in Yemen.

“It was determined these systems presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” CENTCOM said. “These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.”

Meanwhile, on Sept. 13, Iraqi forces and U.S. troops killed a senior commander with the Islamic State group who was wanted by the U.S., as well as several other prominent militants, CENTCOM and Iraq’s military said. Earlier that day, CENTCOM also said U.S. forces had killed an ISIS attack cell member in a strike in eastern Syria.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.