US Completes Full Military Withdrawal from Syria After Decade
The United States has officially completed its full military withdrawal from Syria, ending a decade-long presence focused on combating ISIS. Following the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa coordinated with Washington to reclaim all former US bases. This transition includes integrating Kurdish-led forces into the national army and shifting US engagement to advisory and intelligence roles. The move marks a significant geopolitical shift, consolidating Damascus' control while maintaining regional counterterrorism cooperation through partner-led initiatives.
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U.S. Completes Handover of Military Bases in Syria, Ending Formal Presence
The United States has officially completed the handover of all its major military bases in Syria, marking the end of a formal U.S. military presence in the country for the first time in over a decade. This transition concludes a long-standing mission primarily focused on combating the Islamic State (ISIS). Both the Syrian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Central Command confirmed the completion of the base transfers. Syrian authorities stated that this development reflects their assumption of full responsibility for counterterrorism and regional security within their borders. Despite the withdrawal of permanent outposts, U.S. officials indicated that American forces will enter a new phase of cooperation. This revised engagement will likely involve training, advising, intelligence sharing, and logistical support for Syrian security forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. For Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the U.S. pullout represents a significant political victory as his government seeks to consolidate control following the civil war and rehabilitate Syria's international image. The move underscores a shift from direct U.S. military occupation to partner-led counterterrorism efforts aimed at strengthening regional stability.
NYT > World NewsSyria Assumes Full Control of Former US Military Bases After Final Withdrawal
Syria has officially taken full control of all military sites previously occupied by US forces, marking the end of a military presence that began in 2014. The transition was completed on April 16, 2026, when the final convoy of US soldiers and equipment departed Qasrak air base in the northeastern governorate of Hasakah. This handover follows a January ceasefire and a March agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate SDF fighters into the national army. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with senior SDF leaders in Damascus to formalize the integration, which aims to bring border areas and the northeast under single state authority. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the process as coordinated with the US, citing improved relations since President al-Sharaa's meeting with US President Donald Trump. US Central Command confirmed the deliberate, conditions-based transition. Analysts note that US troops withdrew overland through Jordan to avoid potential attacks by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq. This development signifies a major geopolitical shift, recasting Damascus as a partner in the anti-ISIL coalition rather than an obstacle.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraUS Military Completes Full Withdrawal from Syria After 10-Year Presence
The United States has fully withdrawn its military forces from Syria, ending a decade-long presence aimed at combating the Islamic State group. The final troops departed their base in Hasakah on Thursday, with equipment routed through Jordan to avoid potential attacks by Iranian-backed paramilitaries in Iraq. Following the withdrawal, the Syrian army’s 60th Division, composed largely of Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), took control of the Qasrak base. The Syrian foreign ministry welcomed the handover, citing it as evidence of the SDF’s integration into national structures and the state’s assumption of full security responsibility. This development follows President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s defeat of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and a recent US-facilitated agreement between Damascus and the SDF. Under this deal, the SDF ceded control of key territories, including Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, to the central government. The withdrawal also alleviates long-standing tensions with Turkey, which views the SDF as linked to the PKK, especially after recent peace talks between Ankara and the PKK facilitated regional stability.
Section FeedSyria Takes Control of Last US Military Base Following Coordinated Withdrawal
The Syrian government announced on April 27 that it has assumed control of all military bases previously utilized by United States forces, marking the end of over a decade of American military presence in the country. The handover of the final base, located near Qamishli in northeastern Syria, was conducted with full coordination between Damascus and Washington. US troops subsequently relocated to the Iraqi border. This development follows the earlier evacuation of the Al-Tanf base in February and reflects a broader strategic shift after the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS). The transition was facilitated by a US-mediated agreement integrating Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national military structure, ending recent conflicts between Kurdish militias and the Syrian army. The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the move, highlighting the successful integration of Kurdish institutions and the expansion of state control over the northeast. The US Central Command had previously declared its mission complete after transferring thousands of detained ISIS fighters to Iraq, signaling the conclusion of major combat operations initiated in 2014.
radiofardaUS Troops Depart Syria, Ending Decade-Long Presence Against ISIS
US military officials confirmed to Al-Monitor that American forces have handed over their remaining bases in Syria to the government in Damascus, effectively ending a decade-long ground presence in the country. This withdrawal marks the conclusion of the US mission to arm, train, and advise local factions in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), which lost its final territorial holdout in 2019. The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the handover, asserting the state's capability to lead counterterrorism efforts independently while cooperating with the international community. Despite the physical departure from major bases, US officials stated that American troops continue to support partner-led counterterrorism initiatives and work directly with Damascus’ Ministry of Interior to monitor ISIS remnants. Additionally, the Trump administration is seeking $130 million in funding for the next fiscal year to support local counter-ISIS forces in Syria, maintaining the same budget level as the current year. This transition is described by US officials as deliberate and conditions-based, aiming to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and strengthen regional security despite the reduced direct military footprint.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastSyrian Interim Government Announces Complete Withdrawal of US Troops
The Syrian interim government in Damascus has announced the complete withdrawal of United States military forces from all bases within the country. The Foreign Ministry stated that all military facilities previously occupied by US troops have been fully handed over to Syrian authorities. While the US government has not yet officially confirmed the total withdrawal, the move follows months of planning and recent reports of US media outlining a 30-to-90-day exit strategy. This development marks the culmination of a process initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency, with the final stages occurring under the current administration. The withdrawal follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024 and the subsequent rise of an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite Sharaa’s past links to jihadist groups, the US now supports his administration, acknowledging that Syria is fully capable of combating terrorism independently. Additionally, the US brokered an agreement to integrate Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions, signaling a significant shift in regional dynamics and a setback for Kurdish separatist ambitions. The event underscores a fundamental change in the security landscape of Syria and US foreign policy in the Middle East.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenSyria Announces Complete Withdrawal of US Troops After Diplomatic Rapprochement
The Syrian government has officially announced the complete withdrawal of United States troops from its territory, stating that all military facilities previously occupied by US forces have been handed over to Damascus. While Washington has not yet confirmed the move, reports indicate it follows months of planning and recent diplomatic efforts, including a meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This development marks the end of approximately ten years of US military presence in Syria, which began with the fight against the Islamic State (IS). The Syrian Foreign Ministry cited fundamentally changed circumstances and the state's renewed capacity to combat terrorism as reasons for the withdrawal. Observers in northeast Syria reported US military convoys moving towards the Jordanian border. The exit occurs amidst broader regional tensions, including the aftermath of the Iran war, yet signifies a major shift in US-Syria relations following the overthrow of former leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Despite this reduction in Syria, the US maintains a significant military footprint in the Middle East, with approximately 50,000 personnel stationed across the region.
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