The United States has announced it will begin withdrawing its troops from Syria, where they have been deployed in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). A high-ranking U.S. official indicated that some military units would leave as part of a deliberate and conditional transition. Reports suggest that Washington plans to remove all of its approximately 1,000 soldiers from Syria, drawing to a close a decade-long U.S. presence in the country.

The official stated that while U.S. forces remain poised to respond to threats emanating from ISIS, they will support efforts led by local partners to counteract the resurgence of the terrorist network. The reasoning for the withdrawal appears to hinge on the Syrian government’s readiness to take primary responsibility for combating the threat of terrorism within its borders, reflecting a shift in U.S. military strategy in the region.

This decision comes as part of ongoing assessments of U.S. foreign military engagements and intentions, particularly relating to stability and security in the Middle East. The upcoming troop withdrawal also raises questions about the future of U.S.-Syrian relations and the balance of power in the region, especially with ongoing threats posed by extremist groups such as ISIS.