The armored vehicles and troop carriers had arrived four or five days ago, said Talal Silo, spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, which includes the Kurdish YPG militia.

Though the number was small, he said, "this is evidence that there are signs of new support". "Previously we didn't get support in this form, we would get light weapons and ammunition," he said.

"There are signs of full support from the new American leadership - more than before - for our forces," he said.

As a reminder, yesterday the Syrian government lashed out at the Trump proposal for an implementation of "safe zones" in Syria. It remains to be seen how Assad, whose health has been put in question recently, will respond to this clearest indication yet that the Trump admin plans to maintain its involvement in the Syrian proxy war.