The United States is preparing to pull back the nearly 1,000 troops from its military that remain in Syria, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal citing three US officials. This decision follows a recent confirmation from the US military regarding its exit from the al-Tanf base, a strategic location in southern Syria that has played a vital role in operations against ISIL (ISIS).
The al-Tanf base, located near the borders of Iraq and Jordan, has been a key hub for the global coalition fighting against ISIL, which had once controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq. The US Central Command described last week’s departure from the base as an “orderly departure” that is part of a “deliberate and conditions-based transition.”
The Wall Street Journal indicated that the broader withdrawal of US troops from Syria would unfold over the next two months. This move has been under consideration by the Trump administration since at least January, although it is reportedly not linked to the current military buildup in response to tensions with Iran.
US officials have stated that the troop withdrawal is part of a US-brokered agreement aimed at reshaping Syria’s security structure. This agreement involves integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, which is seen as a significant step toward national unity after years of fragmented leadership in the region.
The arrangement comes amid renewed efforts by Syrian government forces, under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to regain control over areas previously held by the SDF. This has led to clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict. The fragile ceasefire established by the January 29 agreement is intended to pave the way for further negotiations between the two factions.
