After the evacuation of the At Tanf base, what is the future of the US military presence in Syria?
Syria's defense ministry announced the takeover of the At Tanf base following the withdrawal of US troops, raising questions about the future of US military engagement in Syria.
The Syrian defense ministry confirmed the handover of the At Tanf base on the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border after hundreds of US soldiers withdrew, leading to concerns regarding the future of American military presence in Syria. This withdrawal comes amidst indications from American officials that a complete troop withdrawal is being considered, which has been reported by several outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, prior to the evacuation.
In April 2025, the US Department of Defense announced a plan to downsize its military force in Syria from 2,000 soldiers to half that number and to consolidate its troops in select locations. Meanwhile, reports suggest that American forces have been vacating several positions throughout 2025, particularly in the Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah regions, dismantling their fortifications and moving equipment to Iraq, particularly to Erbil in the Kurdistan region.
As the US continues to adjust its military footprint in Syria, this development not only affects the dynamics of local military alliances but may also have broader implications for regional stability. The presence and engagement of US military forces have historically played a significant role in the power dynamics of the region, and their reduction could embolden local actors and rival nations, thereby reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Syria and its neighboring areas.