The United States has begun a significant troop withdrawal from Syria, marking a potential turning point in a controversial military deployment that has lasted over a decade. Citing unnamed government sources, The New York Times and the Associated Press reported on April 17 that Washington is shutting down three of its eight bases in the country’s northeast and scaling back troop levels from an estimated 2,000 to as low as 1,000 personnel.

While the move has yet to be officially confirmed by the Pentagon or the White House, reports suggest the decision was influenced by recommendations from commanders on the ground and approved by both the Pentagon and US Central Command. The withdrawal comes at a time of renewed unrest and a radically altered political landscape in Syria, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by a coalition of armed groups led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The bases scheduled for closure include Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a smaller unnamed outpost. According to the New York Times, the military intends to reassess the security situation in two months to determine whether further reductions are viable. Commanders have reportedly advised maintaining at least 500 troops to ensure ongoing support for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key US partner in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS).

The drawdown will not result in a complete withdrawal. Remaining troops will continue counterterrorism missions and help manage sprawling detention camps holding thousands of former ISIS fighters and........

© Blitz