US to pull troops out of Syria, reports suggest
The U.S. has reportedly started withdrawing troops from Syria, where they have been stationed without the consent of the Damascus government since 2014, according to reports from the New York Times and the Associated Press citing government...
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The U.S. has reportedly started withdrawing troops from Syria, where they have been stationed without the consent of the Damascus government since 2014, according to reports from the New York Times and the Associated Press citing government sources.
As per the New York Times, the U.S. military intends to shut down three of its eight bases located in northeastern Syria and reduce troop levels from 2,000 to approximately 1,400. The bases slated for closure are Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a smaller unnamed facility. Commanders are expected to reassess the situation in two months to determine if any additional reductions are necessary. Sources mentioned that commanders recommended keeping a minimum of 500 troops on the ground.
The Associated Press, drawing from its own sources, indicated that the troop reduction might be even more significant, with projections suggesting that fewer than 1,000 American troops will remain.
Those who stay will reportedly continue to assist the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in counterterrorism efforts and the management of detention camps. The drawdown is said to align with recommendations from ground commanders and has been approved by the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command, although neither the Pentagon nor the White House has officially confirmed the withdrawal.
American forces have been active in Syria since 2014 with the declared objective of combating ISIS. While earlier estimates placed troop numbers at around 900, the Pentagon disclosed last year that approximately 2,000 personnel were present. This information emerged shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad was overthrown by a coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, resulting in a power shift when HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa took control. Assad's ousting led to fresh unrest, including an uprising within the Alawite minority that caused numerous casualties.
Both Damascus and Moscow have consistently denounced the U.S. military presence in Syria, characterizing it as an illegal occupation. The Syrian government has accused Washington of taking advantage of the country's oil resources, as most U.S. bases are situated in oil-rich regions of the northeast.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously expressed doubt about retaining troops in Syria. Following Assad's downfall, he commented on social media, stating: “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. We should have nothing to do with it.”
Despite the change in leadership, Russia has reaffirmed its enduring presence and support for Syria. In a recent meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity while also signaling a willingness to collaborate with Qatar to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis and work towards stabilizing the country’s security and economy.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, subsequently informed reporters that Russian forces would continue their operations from established bases at Khmeimim and Tartus, which are leased under a long-term agreement signed in 2017.
“We are in dialogue with the transitional government in Syria. Our special envoy visited Syria. Our president spoke with the leader of the transition period. Our military is staying where they had been,” Nebenzia commented.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
As per the New York Times, the U.S. military intends to shut down three of its eight bases located in northeastern Syria and reduce troop levels from 2,000 to approximately 1,400. The bases slated for closure are Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a smaller unnamed facility. Commanders are expected to reassess the situation in two months to determine if any additional reductions are necessary. Sources mentioned that commanders recommended keeping a minimum of 500 troops on the ground.
The Associated Press, drawing from its own sources, indicated that the troop reduction might be even more significant, with projections suggesting that fewer than 1,000 American troops will remain.
Those who stay will reportedly continue to assist the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in counterterrorism efforts and the management of detention camps. The drawdown is said to align with recommendations from ground commanders and has been approved by the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command, although neither the Pentagon nor the White House has officially confirmed the withdrawal.
American forces have been active in Syria since 2014 with the declared objective of combating ISIS. While earlier estimates placed troop numbers at around 900, the Pentagon disclosed last year that approximately 2,000 personnel were present. This information emerged shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad was overthrown by a coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, resulting in a power shift when HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa took control. Assad's ousting led to fresh unrest, including an uprising within the Alawite minority that caused numerous casualties.
Both Damascus and Moscow have consistently denounced the U.S. military presence in Syria, characterizing it as an illegal occupation. The Syrian government has accused Washington of taking advantage of the country's oil resources, as most U.S. bases are situated in oil-rich regions of the northeast.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously expressed doubt about retaining troops in Syria. Following Assad's downfall, he commented on social media, stating: “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. We should have nothing to do with it.”
Despite the change in leadership, Russia has reaffirmed its enduring presence and support for Syria. In a recent meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity while also signaling a willingness to collaborate with Qatar to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis and work towards stabilizing the country’s security and economy.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, subsequently informed reporters that Russian forces would continue their operations from established bases at Khmeimim and Tartus, which are leased under a long-term agreement signed in 2017.
“We are in dialogue with the transitional government in Syria. Our special envoy visited Syria. Our president spoke with the leader of the transition period. Our military is staying where they had been,” Nebenzia commented.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
