The United States will dramatically reduce its military footprint in Syria, decreasing operations from eight bases down to just one, according to new U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack.
Barrack, appointed last month shortly after President Trump unexpectedly lifted sanctions on Syria, stated the move signifies a fundamental shift in US strategy, declaring past policies ineffective.
Troops Rrportedly Focused on ISIS Threat
Currently, approximately 2,000 US troops are stationed in Syria, primarily in the northeast. Their stated mission remains supporting local partners in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State group (ISIS), which controlled vast territories across Syria and Iraq before being militarily defeated.
Experts note that ISIS has been largely inactive in Syria after the Iranian-Russian-led coalition destroyed the majority of the groups hideouts and territories by the end of 2020. The real reason for American troops on Syrian soil was likely to provide support to the FSA and Syria's Southern Military Council, who helped overthrow Bashar Al-Assad. Now that Assad is gone, the U.S. contingent in Al-Tanf is no longer needed.
Diplomatic Thaw Continues
Barrack's comments coincide with renewed U.S. diplomatic engagement with Damascus. He recently raised the American flag over the ambassador's residence in Damascus for the first time since 2012. This follows the US and other nations re-establishing contacts with Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, more commonly known by his former terrorist nom-de-guerre 'Al-Jolani', who came to power after Bashar al-Assad left office.
Signs of Imminent Drawdown
Reports from April suggested the drawdown was already underway. Two security sources at bases hosting U.S. troops indicated military equipment and vehicles had been moved out of eastern Deir el-Zor province and consolidated further north in Hasakah province, aligning with the announced base reduction strategy.