US to withdraw all troops from Syria, ending 11-year military presence

2026-02-20 - 05:42

The United States has initiated the complete withdrawal of its military forces from Syria, ending an 11-year presence that began with deployments against Daesh, the Wall Street Journal reported. Approximately 1,000 American troops are expected to depart the country within the next two months, with withdrawals already underway from key positions including the Tanef garrison and Shaddadi base. Strategic Transition and Ongoing Commitment A senior Trump administration official described the pullout as "part of a transition process based on conditions on the ground," confirming that some US personnel have already left Syria. The official emphasized that American forces would remain "ready and capable" to counter any emerging Daesh threats, though Washington now considers the Syrian government willing and responsible for combating terrorism within its borders. The decision reflects a shift in assessing that large-scale US military presence is no longer necessary. Regional Implications The withdrawal comes amid evolving dynamics in Syria, including improved security conditions in some areas and increased diplomatic engagement between regional actors. Turkish officials have long called for the removal of US forces, particularly those operating in areas where Ankara has security concerns. The departure of American troops is expected to accelerate ongoing efforts by Damascus to consolidate control over national territory and may reshape the calculations of various actors operating in northeastern Syria.