Newsletters
The U.S. is reportedly considering a full military withdrawal from Syria, following the near-total collapse of the terrorist SDF after rapid territorial losses to the Syrian Army.
The U.S. Department of Defense is re-evaluating the purpose and viability of its military presence in Syria, as officials told The Wall Street Journal that without the SDF as an operational partner, the rationale for remaining in the country has substantially weakened.
The move comes as Washington signals its commitment to implementing the January 18 agreement, which foresees the integration of SDF elements into Syria’s security structure and the transfer of key regions, such as Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and major border crossings, into the control of Damascus following recent clashes.
As the SDF loses operational capacity and Damascus consolidates authority in the northeast, the U.S. appears to be nearing a withdrawal from Syria, the report indicated.
The potential exit would bring an end to Washington’s military presence in Syria that began in 2014, when former President Barack Obama authorized intervention during the civil war and the rise of Daesh.
Approximately 1,000 U.S. troops remain in the country, mainly stationed in the northeast alongside SDF terrorists and a smaller contingent at the southern Al Tanf garrison.
The Syrian Army launched operations in early January after the SDF failed to comply with a ceasefire requiring its withdrawal east of the Euphrates and the transfer of control over Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to the central government. During the offensive, government forces, aided by Arab tribal factions that defected from the SDF and aligned with Damascus, seized a military base, oil fields, and the Tishrin Dam.
Syria’s Defense Ministry announced a four-day ceasefire on Jan. 18, "in line with the understandings announced by the Syrian state with the SDF," stating that the move aimed to support "national efforts" for reintegration.
The truce also stipulated that border crossings and energy infrastructure would be transferred to Damascus, while SDF terrorists would be individually vetted and integrated into Syria’s defense and interior ministries.
As control over detention sites shifted, the U.S. began transferring up to 7,000 Daesh detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq, citing security concerns during the transition. U.S. Central Command confirmed that 150 detainees had already been moved from Hassakeh province to a secure facility in Iraq, lending further weight to reports of an imminent withdrawal.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
