The United States is set to reduce its military presence in Syria to fewer than 1,000 troops, a move officials say reflects the evolving nature of the mission to defeat the Islamic State.
The Pentagon confirmed the consolidation of American forces on Friday, emphasizing the continued commitment to counterterrorism operations in the region.
“Recognizing the success the United States has had against ISIS, including its 2019 territorial defeat under President Trump, today the Secretary of Defense directed the consolidation of U.S. forces in Syria under Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve to select locations in Syria,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans
“This consolidation reflects the significant steps we have made toward degrading ISIS’ appeal and operational capability regionally and globally.”
While the Department of Defense did not detail the exact number of troops to be withdrawn, The New York Times reported Thursday that approximately 600 personnel are slated to depart.
No exact timeline was provided, but officials expect the drawdown to take place “in the coming months.”
The U.S. has maintained a steady military presence in Syria since the rise of ISIS, with troop levels hovering around 900 in recent years.
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, troop levels were temporarily increased to over 2,000 as Iranian-backed groups targeted U.S. interests in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
A tragic escalation occurred in January 2024 when three American service members were killed by an Iranian-backed militia drone strike in Jordan.
“As this consolidation takes place, consistent with President Trump’s commitment to peace through strength, U.S. Central Command will remain poised to continue strikes against the remnants of ISIS in Syria,” Parnell added.
“We will also work closely with capable and willing Coalition partners to maintain pressure on ISIS and respond to any other terrorist threats that arise.”
MORE NEWS: Pentagon Eyes Unmanned Undersea Vessels as Pivotal to Navy Expansion and Industrial Revival
Beyond counter-ISIS operations, U.S. forces have played a stabilizing role in Syria, particularly as a buffer between Kurdish forces and neighboring Turkey, which regards some Kurdish militias as terrorists.
American presence has also served to monitor Iranian-backed militias and prevent the transfer of weapons through southern Syria.
Efforts to fully withdraw U.S. troops during President Trump’s first term were met with resistance from defense leaders, who feared such a move would abandon allies.
The disagreement prompted the resignation of then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
The planned reduction brings troop levels back in line with those seen for much of the post-ISIS campaign period. Yet, security risks remain.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country in December 2024 amid political turmoil, and while many displaced Syrians have returned, instability persists.
Israeli strikes on weapons sites continue, and intelligence suggests the Islamic State may be attempting to reassert itself.
With fewer than 1,000 U.S. troops remaining, the Pentagon aims to streamline operations while continuing to engage ISIS remnants and deter regional threats.
MORE NEWS: Army Shifts Fitness Strategy – Athletic Trainers Cut, Medics and Strength Coaches Step Up
The coming months will test whether a smaller American footprint can sustain the gains made against extremism in Syria’s still-volatile landscape.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.