The Wall Street Journal says the United States is withdrawing all roughly 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military mission. The pullout includes completed exits from Al Tanf and Al-Shaddadi, with remaining forces set to leave within two months, as the Trump administration judges the presence no longer necessary following the integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Damascus’s army. The decision follows the consolidation of power by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and reflects Washington’s effort to expand diplomatic engagement while reducing friction with Syrian forces. Officials say U.S. naval and air deployments aimed at deterring Iran are unrelated to the Syria withdrawal. Critics warn the move could weaken counter-ISIS efforts and leave Kurdish partners exposed, though administration officials argue U.S. forces can still respond to terrorist threats from elsewhere in the region.
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The Wall Street Journal says the United States is withdrawing all roughly 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military mission. The pullout includes completed exits from Al Tanf and Al-Shaddadi, with remaining forces set to leave within two months, as the Trump administration judges the presence no longer necessary following the integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Damascus’s army. The decision follows the consolidation of power by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and reflects Washington’s effort to expand diplomatic engagement while reducing friction with Syrian forces. Officials say U.S. naval and air deployments aimed at deterring Iran are unrelated to the Syria withdrawal. Critics warn the move could weaken counter-ISIS efforts and leave Kurdish partners exposed, though administration officials argue U.S. forces can still respond to terrorist threats from elsewhere in the region.