WASHINGTON: The United States is planning to withdraw all of its approximately 1,000 troops from Syria over the next two months, according to multiple US media reports.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington intends to end its military presence in Syria following significant political and security developments inside the country.
These include the Syrian government’s extension of control over most of the national territory and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – once a key US partner in the fight against the Islamic State group – pledging to integrate into state institutions.
Television network CBS also confirmed the plan, citing unnamed US officials familiar with the matter, according to AFP.
The reported decision comes after US forces recently withdrew from several bases in Syria, including Al-Tanf and Al-Shadadi.
These installations had been strategically important in the US-led international coalition’s campaign against the Islamic State (IS), serving as operational hubs for counterterrorism missions and regional coordination.
Washington’s military posture in Syria has evolved following the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Since then, the United States has drawn closer to Syria’s new authorities while recalibrating its security arrangements in the region.
As part of broader counterterrorism efforts, the US has transferred thousands of IS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to more secure locations in Iraq.
At the same time, Washington has reportedly been reinforcing its military capabilities near Iran.
US officials have warned that any attack on American interests would be met with a strong response, amid statements from Iranian officials threatening to target US military outposts in the region in the event of hostilities.
US media reported on Wednesday that Washington could be prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, although president Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on the matter, according to the reports.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported withdrawal plan or the broader regional military posture.
