Senior White House officials have announced plans to withdraw most remaining U.S. troops from Syria over the coming months.
The Syrian government has pledged to lead counter-terrorism efforts within its borders, making a large American military presence unnecessary.
U.S. forces were deployed to Syria in 2015 to fight the Islamic State (ISIS). Around 1,000 troops remain, set for a conditions-based exit, with the U.S. ready to counter regional threats. This emerges as President Donald Trump bolsters U.S. forces in the Middle East against rising friction with Iran.
U.S. troops vacated the al-Tanf and al-Shaddadi bases earlier this year, post-Assad regime fall in 2024. ISIS has weakened amid Syria’s security gains.
The Trump administration has forged ties with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who visited the White House in November, which was a Syrian first. His government integrated Kurdish-led forces in January after clashes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani last week on ceasefire and terrorism concerns.
In December, a lone ISIS gunman killed a translator and two Iowa National Guard members. The Pentagon’s Operation Hawkeye Strike followed.