The United States is preparing to consolidate its military presence in Syria over the coming weeks and months, a move that could reduce its troop numbers in the country by half, according to two US officials on Tuesday.
Currently, around 2,000 American troops are stationed across multiple bases in northeastern Syria. Their mission, in coordination with local forces, is to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, which once controlled vast areas of Syria and Iraq before being defeated by international and local coalitions.
One official, speaking anonymously, suggested the consolidation could bring troop levels down to roughly 1,000. However, a second official, while confirming the consolidation plan, expressed doubt about such a significant drawdown, especially as the US continues to bolster its military presence in the broader Middle East and navigates delicate negotiations with Iran.
In recent weeks, the US has deployed additional military assets to the region, including B-2 bombers, warships, and air defense systems. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Iran appears to be deliberately delaying a nuclear agreement with the US, warning that Tehran must abandon its nuclear ambitions or face a possible military strike targeting its atomic facilities.
Amid these developments, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is conducting a global reassessment of American troop deployments. The review comes at a time of shifting dynamics in Syria, where an Islamist-led government took control after Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US, recently struck an agreement with Damascus to integrate Kurdish-run governing bodies and security units with the central government. While Washington submitted a list of conditions to Syria in March offering partial sanctions relief, the Trump administration has otherwise limited its engagement with the country’s new leadership. Some US officials have argued for a firmer stance, citing the government’s past links to Al-Qaeda.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexities of US involvement in Syria, as Washington seeks to balance counterterrorism efforts, regional alliances, and great-power competition with Iran.
Melissa Enoch
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