US to Withdraw Troops from Syria Amid Iran Tensions

Published: 19 February 2026.. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The United States is preparing to significantly reduce its remaining military presence in Syria over the coming months, marking a pivotal shift in Washington’s Middle East strategy at a time of heightened regional tension. A senior White House official has confirmed that approximately 1,000 American troops stationed in Syria will be withdrawn as part of what the administration describes as a “conditions-based transition.” The move signals a recalibration of America’s on-the-ground engagement in Syria, even as military deployments elsewhere in the region intensify amid rising friction with Iran.

American forces have operated in Syria since 2015 as part of an international coalition to combat the so-called Islamic State group. At the height of the campaign, thousands of US troops were deployed to support local allies, particularly Kurdish-led forces, in dismantling the territorial “caliphate” declared by IS in 2014. Over the past decade, US-backed operations played a critical role in recapturing key strongholds such as Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, severely weakening the group’s operational capacity.

According to the White House official, the Syrian government has now agreed to assume primary responsibility for counter-terrorism operations within its borders, reducing the need for a large-scale American presence. While the US will retain the ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats, officials argue that maintaining troops “at scale” is no longer strategically necessary.

The decision unfolds against a broader backdrop of regional instability. Despite withdrawing from Syria, the Trump administration has simultaneously ramped up military readiness across the Middle East. BBC Verify recently confirmed the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group near Iranian waters. The carrier, supported by guided missile destroyers and equipped with dozens of advanced fighter jets, represents a significant show of force.

In parallel, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has reportedly been dispatched to the region and is expected to arrive within weeks. The dual carrier presence underscores Washington’s message that while it may be reducing its footprint in Syria, it remains prepared to project power elsewhere.

Senior national security officials told CBS News that President Donald Trump has directed the US military to be prepared for potential strikes against Iranian targets, should circumstances warrant. Although no final decision has been publicly announced, the mere preparation signals the seriousness with which Washington views current tensions.

The withdrawal from Syria also follows significant political changes within the country itself. The collapse of the Assad government in 2024 fundamentally altered Syria’s power dynamics. In its aftermath, President Ahmed al-Sharaa emerged as a central figure in Damascus, ushering in a new political chapter that has cautiously opened doors to diplomatic engagement with Western nations.

In November, Sharaa visited the White House, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to Washington in the nation’s history. The symbolic meeting reflected a thaw in relations and the Trump administration’s stated desire to stabilise Syria through diplomatic channels rather than prolonged military involvement.

Yet Syria’s internal security landscape remains complex. Although Islamic State has been substantially weakened, it has not been eradicated. In December, a tragic ambush in Palmyra claimed the lives of a translator and two members of the Iowa National Guard. The Pentagon attributed the attack to a lone IS gunman. In response, the US launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, conducting a series of targeted raids aimed at dismantling remaining extremist cells.

Officials insist that the troop drawdown does not equate to disengagement. Rather, it reflects a shift toward intelligence cooperation, regional partnerships, and over-the-horizon capabilities. American forces have already vacated key installations, including the al-Tanf garrison in southern Syria and the al-Shaddadi base in the north-east. These departures form part of a phased transition rather than an abrupt exit.

Another critical element of the evolving security arrangement involves the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Historically, the SDF served as Washington’s most reliable partner on the ground. However, tensions between Kurdish groups and Damascus complicated post-Assad integration efforts. In January, a breakthrough agreement was reached to incorporate SDF units into Syria’s national armed forces structure, aiming to unify command and reduce the risk of fragmentation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani last week to discuss maintaining the fragile ceasefire and ensuring that counter-terrorism operations remain effective. Rubio reportedly emphasised the importance of preventing any resurgence of extremist networks, particularly as the US reduces its direct footprint.

Analysts suggest that Washington’s recalibration is influenced by both domestic and strategic considerations. After more than a decade of involvement in Syria, public appetite for sustained overseas deployments has waned. At the same time, policymakers increasingly view Iran as the more immediate regional challenge. By concentrating naval and air assets near Iranian territory, the administration signals deterrence without committing large numbers of ground troops.

Critics, however, caution that reducing US presence in Syria could create security gaps that extremist groups might exploit. Past withdrawals in other theatres have occasionally led to power vacuums, enabling militant networks to regroup. Supporters counter that Syria’s improved security environment, combined with enhanced Syrian government responsibility, reduces that risk.

The geopolitical implications extend beyond Syria and Iran. Regional actors including Turkey, Israel, and Gulf states are closely monitoring the shift. Israel, in particular, remains concerned about Iranian-backed militias operating across Syria. A diminished US footprint may alter regional calculations, though American air and naval capabilities continue to offer a deterrent umbrella.

For many Syrians, the withdrawal carries mixed symbolism. On one hand, it signals a return of sovereignty and reduced foreign military presence. On the other, lingering fears of instability persist, especially in areas once heavily contested by IS fighters.

As the months ahead unfold, the success of the transition will likely hinge on Syria’s ability to maintain internal security and prevent extremist resurgence. Washington’s pledge to remain “ready to respond” suggests that the chapter of direct military engagement may be closing, but the broader narrative of US involvement in the Middle East is far from over.

The withdrawal marks not an end, but a transformation. It reflects a balancing act between disengagement and deterrence, diplomacy and defence. In a region where alliances shift rapidly and tensions simmer beneath the surface, strategic recalibration may be as consequential as outright intervention.

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