The US military has completed its withdrawal from the Kasrak base in Syria, being the third base to close in just two weeks. This follows previous exits from the Shaddadi base in the northeast and the Al-Tanf base in the southeast, both of which played significant roles in operations against the Islamic State (IS) under a US-led coalition. Reports indicate that there will be no American military presence in these bases within a month, although around 1,000 US troops are still stationed in Syria, involved in ongoing anti-IS activities.

According to Syrian government sources, the full withdrawal of US forces may occur rapidly, with some diplomats suggesting it could be completed within 20 days. This signifies the diminishing footprint of US troops in the region, as they transition authority back to Syrian forces. Despite this withdrawal, it has been noted that US forces will retain the capability to conduct airstrikes from their other regional bases, indicating a strategic shift rather than a complete disengagement from military operations in Syria.

The decision to withdraw comes after nearly a decade of US involvement, beginning in 2014, when bases were established in opposition to the regime of former dictator Bashar al-Assad. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the implications of reduced US military presence might be significant, potentially affecting the balance of power among local factions and the ongoing struggle against terrorist elements like the Islamist State.