US contemplates significant Syria pullout – WaPo
American troops have been present in the Middle Eastern country since 2014. According to a report by the Washington Post on Thursday, the administration of US President Donald Trump is contemplating a significant drawdown of American forces...
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American troops have been present in the Middle Eastern country since 2014.
According to a report by the Washington Post on Thursday, the administration of US President Donald Trump is contemplating a significant drawdown of American forces in Syria, as indicated by officials knowledgeable about military planning.
The United States has had troops stationed in Syria since 2014, which Washington claims is to combat ISIS, despite their continued presence following the conclusion of Syria’s war.
A US official with a focus on the region told the Washington Post that there is an anticipation for troop numbers to be reduced “to a bare minimum,” adding, “I think we’re going to go down to one very small place in the northeast.”
A defense official confirmed that there are plans in motion to “reduce” and “consolidate” the US military presence, but emphasized that a complete withdrawal is not on the table at this time.
“Stuff is already moving, although they likely won’t announce anything before the Iran talks,” the official noted, referencing the US-Iran nuclear negotiations that commenced last week, with another round set to take place this weekend in Rome.
According to the Washington Post, any plans for withdrawal could be complicated by the Islamic State's resurgence and increased attacks in eastern Syria.
In December 2024, shortly after the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Pentagon acknowledged the presence of 2,000 troops in Syria, a figure that was more than double the earlier reported count of 900. Reports also surfaced later that month regarding US military convoys transporting weapons and supplies into Syria from Iraq.
Both the former Assad government and Russia have condemned the US presence as an illegal occupation, asserting that Washington did not receive permission to station troops in Syria. Additionally, Damascus has accused the US of appropriating Syrian natural resources, as US bases are situated in the country’s oil-rich northeastern regions.
During his first term, Trump initiated a partial withdrawal from Syria; however, the process was never completed. Since resuming office, he has largely refrained from discussing the issue, merely stating that Syria is a “mess” that does not require American involvement.
Last month, Washington communicated a list of conditions to Damascus for partial relief from sanctions imposed during the Assad era. A copy of the list reviewed by the Washington Post included requests for permission for US counter-terror operations on Syrian territory and a formal declaration of support for Operation Inherent Resolve, which is a US-led initiative against terrorism in Syria and Iraq.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
According to a report by the Washington Post on Thursday, the administration of US President Donald Trump is contemplating a significant drawdown of American forces in Syria, as indicated by officials knowledgeable about military planning.
The United States has had troops stationed in Syria since 2014, which Washington claims is to combat ISIS, despite their continued presence following the conclusion of Syria’s war.
A US official with a focus on the region told the Washington Post that there is an anticipation for troop numbers to be reduced “to a bare minimum,” adding, “I think we’re going to go down to one very small place in the northeast.”
A defense official confirmed that there are plans in motion to “reduce” and “consolidate” the US military presence, but emphasized that a complete withdrawal is not on the table at this time.
“Stuff is already moving, although they likely won’t announce anything before the Iran talks,” the official noted, referencing the US-Iran nuclear negotiations that commenced last week, with another round set to take place this weekend in Rome.
According to the Washington Post, any plans for withdrawal could be complicated by the Islamic State's resurgence and increased attacks in eastern Syria.
In December 2024, shortly after the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Pentagon acknowledged the presence of 2,000 troops in Syria, a figure that was more than double the earlier reported count of 900. Reports also surfaced later that month regarding US military convoys transporting weapons and supplies into Syria from Iraq.
Both the former Assad government and Russia have condemned the US presence as an illegal occupation, asserting that Washington did not receive permission to station troops in Syria. Additionally, Damascus has accused the US of appropriating Syrian natural resources, as US bases are situated in the country’s oil-rich northeastern regions.
During his first term, Trump initiated a partial withdrawal from Syria; however, the process was never completed. Since resuming office, he has largely refrained from discussing the issue, merely stating that Syria is a “mess” that does not require American involvement.
Last month, Washington communicated a list of conditions to Damascus for partial relief from sanctions imposed during the Assad era. A copy of the list reviewed by the Washington Post included requests for permission for US counter-terror operations on Syrian territory and a formal declaration of support for Operation Inherent Resolve, which is a US-led initiative against terrorism in Syria and Iraq.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
