The U.S. military is preparing to streamline its operations in Syria over the coming weeks and months, potentially reducing its troop presence by up to 50%, according to two American officials who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.
Currently, about 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed across several bases in Syria, primarily in the northeast. Their mission focuses on supporting local partners in preventing a resurgence of ISIS, which once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq before being driven back.
One official, speaking anonymously, indicated the consolidation could bring the troop count down to around 1,000. Another confirmed the reduction plan but expressed uncertainty about the exact figures, casting doubt on such a significant decrease—especially amid ongoing tensions with Iran and a broader U.S. military buildup in the region.
The U.S. has recently deployed B-2 bombers, naval assets, and air defense systems to reinforce its presence in the Middle East. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran is stalling nuclear negotiations and warned that any continued pursuit of nuclear weapons could prompt military action against Tehran’s facilities.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is conducting a global review of U.S. troop deployments.
In Syria, the Islamist-led government that assumed power following Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in December has been working to reestablish diplomatic and regional ties. Last month, the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement with Damascus to integrate their administrative and security structures into the central government.
The U.S. presented Syria with a list of conditions in March for partial sanctions relief. However, the Trump administration has otherwise had limited engagement with the new leadership in Damascus.
REF:REUTERS
