US reduces military presence in Syria and closes several bases - NYT
Photo: US reduces military presence in northeast Syria (Getty Images)
The US has begun withdrawing hundreds of troops from the northeastern part of Syria. Several military bases in the country are also being closed, according to The New York Times.
The US military leadership is closing three out of eight of its small operating bases in northeast Syria. This is part of a broader plan to reduce the US military presence to around 1,400 troops from 2,000, according to two senior US officials.
The closed bases include the Green Village Mission Support Base, the M.S.S. Euphrates, and another "significantly smaller" site. Officials stated that after 60 days, US commanders will assess whether further reductions are necessary.
One official told the NYT that commanders recommended keeping at least 500 US troops in Syria. President Donald Trump, however, has expressed deep skepticism about the need for any US military presence in Syria.
"At least for now the reductions that started on Thursday are based on ground commanders’ recommendations to close and consolidate bases, and were approved by the Pentagon and its Central Command, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters," officials told the NYT on the condition of anonymity.
The reduced US force, which includes both regular soldiers and special forces, will continue to assist the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and support the operation of several detention camps, according to the US officials.
Risks and security situation in Syria
The terrorist group ISIS still poses a serious threat, particularly in northeast Syria, where US troops are stationed. However, the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime has greatly reduced other threats, including Iranian-backed militants and Russian forces supporting the former Syrian government.
Another key development occurred in March when the Kurdish-led militia controlling northeastern Syria agreed to unite with the new Syrian government. This marked a breakthrough for Damascus in its efforts to reunite the country, which continues to struggle with the aftermath of years of civil war.
The agreement stipulated that the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces would integrate "all civilian and military institutions" into the new Syrian state by the end of the year, including its valuable oil and gas fields.
Since the rebel coalition led by Ahmed al-Shara took power in December, the new government has sought to unite a complex network of rebel groups across Syria, with the Kurdish forces in the northeast being the most powerful.
However, security remains unstable, and the Kurdish militia has proven to be "one of the most difficult groups for the government," according to NYT.
In February, the Pentagon began working on plans for a complete withdrawal of US forces from Syria.
Israel, as reported by Ynet, is concerned about Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, as the Israeli government believes this will significantly increase Turkey's influence in Syria and the region.
