The U.S. military announced on Friday that it is deploying a small number of Bradley armored vehicles, Sentinel radar equipment, and about 100 additional troops to northeastern Syria.

The redeployment is meant to strengthen and protect the U.S.-led coalition, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is fighting ISIS.

The move, coupled with the increased frequency of fighter jet patrols over U.S. forces in Syria, is also designed as a show of presence and a deterrent against further Russian military moves in the coalition’s area of operations. This was highlighted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Navy Capt. Bill Urban.

“These actions are a clear demonstration of U.S. resolve to defend Coalition forces in the [Eastern Syria Security Area] and to ensure that they are able to continue their Defeat-ISIS mission without interference,” Urban said in a statement. “The Defense Department has previously deployed Bradleys to northeast Syria pursuant to these goals.”