Reports indicate Washington is planning to close three of its eight bases in northeastern Syria, facilities that have been operating without the Syrian government’s approval since 2014.
According to the New York Times and the Associated Press, the U.S. has begun withdrawing troops from Syria. These troops have been stationed in the country since 2014 without the consent of Damascus. The reports, published on Thursday, cited government sources.
The NYT reports that the U.S. military intends to close three of its eight bases in northeast Syria, reducing troop numbers from 2,000 to approximately 1,400. The bases slated for closure are reportedly Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a smaller, unnamed site. Commanders will reportedly reassess the need for further reductions in two months, with recommendations to maintain a minimum of 500 troops.
The AP, citing its own sources, reported potentially larger cuts, suggesting that fewer than 1,000 U.S. troops will remain in Syria.
The remaining troops will reportedly continue to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in counterterrorism efforts and the management of detention camps. Reports suggest the drawdown is based on recommendations from field commanders and has been approved by the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has issued an official confirmation of the withdrawal.
American forces have been stationed in Syria since 2014, with the stated goal of combating ISIS. While previous estimates placed troop levels around 900, the Pentagon disclosed last year that approximately 2,000 personnel were present. This announcement followed the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad by a coalition of armed groups, spearheaded by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa taking control. Assad’s removal triggered renewed unrest, including an Alawite uprising that resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Both Damascus and Moscow have consistently denounced the U.S. presence in Syria as an illegal occupation. The former Syrian government accused Washington of exploiting Syria’s oil resources, noting that most U.S. bases are located in the oil-rich northeast.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed doubts about maintaining troops in Syria. During the fall of Damascus in December, he posted on social media: “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. We should have nothing to do with it.”
Despite Assad’s ouster, Russia has pledged to maintain its long-term presence and support for Syria. During a meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s dedication to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also indicated a willingness to collaborate with Qatar to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis and stabilize the country’s security and economy.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, subsequently told reporters that Russian forces will continue to operate from their 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 stated.
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