The United States is preparing to withdraw all of its remaining 1,000 troops from Syria within the next two months, according to multiple American media reports, marking a significant shift in Washington’s military posture in the Middle East.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision follows the Syrian government’s consolidation of control across much of the country and the pledge by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—once a key US partner in the fight against Islamic State (IS)—to integrate into state structures. Television network CBS also cited unnamed US officials confirming the planned withdrawal.
The move comes after American forces recently pulled out of several bases in Syria, including facilities at Al-Tanf and Al-Shadadi, which had played strategic roles in the US-led international coalition’s operations against IS.
In parallel, Washington has strengthened diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new authorities following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. The United States has also reportedly transferred thousands of detained IS fighters from Syrian prisons to more secure facilities in Iraq.
The troop withdrawal plan unfolds against a backdrop of rising tensions with Iran. US officials have vowed to respond forcefully to any attacks on American interests in the region, amid warnings from Tehran that it could target US military outposts if provoked.
American media reported on Wednesday that Washington is prepared to launch potential strikes against Iran as early as this weekend. However, former President Donald Trump has reportedly not made a final decision on the matter.
The Pentagon has not yet issued an official statement in response to the reports.
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