Americans Hand Over Syrian Base to Government Forces, But Do Not Exit the Country
The Syrian army has taken control of the At-Tanf base from US forces, although American troops have fully withdrawn from the installation.
The Syrian army announced on Thursday that they have regained control over the strategically significant At-Tanf base in southern Syria, a site that had been occupied by American forces since 2016 as part of the coalition against the Islamic State (IS). This transfer follows a coordinated effort between the Syrian and American governments, leading to the complete withdrawal of US troops, who are reported to have fully exited At-Tanf within a two-week timeframe.
The At-Tanf base, situated near the borders with Jordan, has served as a critical operation point for US efforts in Syria since late 2014 when the international coalition was formed to combat IS. This base has been pivotal in supporting opposition forces and conducting operations against IS, which declared a caliphate in territories it seized amidst the Syrian civil war. The Syrian government's recent control over the base signals a shift in the region's dynamics and emphasizes the declining presence of US forces in strategic positions throughout Syria.
As Syrian military units begin deploying in the border triangle shared with Iraq and Jordan, this move raises questions about future military engagements and the ongoing conflict's implications in Syria. The handover of At-Tanf signifies not only a strategic win for the Syrian government but also a potential impact on regional security dynamics as the influence of US forces continues to wane, thereby altering the landscape where various powers compete for influence in this conflict-ridden nation.