US cuts its troop presence in Syria to fewer than 1000, Pentagon explains reason
The US will further reduce the number of troops in Syria (Photo: Getty Images)
The US plans to reduce its military presence in Syria to fewer than one thousand troops. The Department of Defense intends to carry out this reduction in the coming months, according to the Pentagon.
According to US Department of Defense spokesman Sean Parnell, Washington acknowledges the success the US has had against ISIS, including its 2019 territorial defeat under President Trump.
The Pentagon representative noted that on April 18, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the consolidation of US forces in Syria under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve to select locations in Syria.
The US Department of Defense spokesman explained that this consolidation reflects "the significant steps we have taken" to reduce ISIS's operational capability at both the regional and global levels.
"This deliberate and conditions-based process will bring the US footprint in Syria down to less than a thousand US forces in the coming months," Parnell stated.
US operation against the Islamic State in Syria will continue
Over the past year, US Central Command has carried out dozens of airstrikes against ISIS-related targets in the Middle East.
The Pentagon states that as this consolidation takes place, in line with President Trump’s commitment to achieve peace through strength, US Central Command will remain prepared to continue strikes against ISIS remnants in Syria.
"We will also work closely with capable and willing Coalition partners to maintain pressure on ISIS and respond to any other terrorist threats that arise," the Pentagon representative said.
The US Department of Defense adds that it continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and the ability to make dynamic force posture adjustments based on evolving security situations on the ground.
Reduction of the US military contingent in Syria
It was reported in February that the Pentagon is working on a plan to completely withdraw US troops from Syria.
Recently, Ynet reported that Israel is concerned about President Trump’s decision to pull US troops from Syria. Official Jerusalem believes this will allow Türkiye to significantly increase its influence in the country and the region as a whole.
On April 19, The New York Times reported that the US has begun withdrawing hundreds of troops from northeastern Syria as part of reducing its military presence from about 2,000 to approximately 1,400. Additionally, US military leadership is closing 3 out of 8 small operating bases in the northeast of the country.
Officials have told US media that after 60 days, US commanders will assess whether further reductions are necessary.
