Uncertainty Looms as SDF Denies Knowledge of U.S. Withdrawal Plans from Syria
SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami warned of the potential consequences of such a move, emphasizing that “ISIS and other malicious actors are closely watching for an opportunity to exploit a U.S. withdrawal
Feb. 6, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stated on Wednesday that they have not received any official information regarding reported plans for a United State, withdrawal from Syria.
SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami warned of the potential consequences of such a move, emphasizing that “ISIS and other malicious actors are closely watching for an opportunity to exploit a U.S. withdrawal, aiming to regain their foothold and return to the 2014 situation.”
His statement came in response to a report published by NBC News earlier on Wednesday, citing U.S. officials who revealed that the Pentagon is drafting contingency plans for a complete withdrawal of American forces from Syria.
The report noted that former President Donald Trump and officials within his circle have recently expressed interest in pulling U.S. troops out of Syria, prompting Pentagon officials to prepare scenarios for withdrawal within 30, 60, or 90 days.
Contradictory Signals: Military Reinforcements Amid Withdrawal Reports
In a seemingly contradictory development, the U.S.-led International Coalition strengthened its military presence in eastern Syria (Rojava) just a day prior.
More than 50 military trucks arrived in the region, carrying armored vehicles, heavy artillery, various types of ammunition, advanced weapons, radar systems, fuel tankers, and a contingent of American troops.
Read More: International Coalition Deploys Advanced Military Reinforcements to Rojava
The United States maintains multiple military bases in Syria, primarily concentrated in the eastern regions beyond the Euphrates River.
These bases stretch from the strategic Al-Tanf crossing in the southeast to the northeastern provinces of Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor Rojava.
Among them, the Al-Omar oil field base in Deir ez-Zor stands as the largest and most significant U.S. military installation in Syria, equipped with a runway for drones and helicopters, as well as detention facilities.
Additionally, the U.S. operates several key bases in Hasakah province, including the Tel Baydar base west of Hasakah city, which functions alongside Life Stone and Qasrek bases to facilitate operations in the region. The Rmelan base, situated south of the oil-rich city of Rmelan, holds strategic importance as one of the first U.S. military footholds in Syria.
Further south, in the vast Syrian desert, al-Tanf military base remains a crucial strategic asset, located at the tri-border area between Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Policy in Syria
Observers note that U.S. policy on Syria remains ambiguous, as recent reinforcements contrast with discussions of a potential withdrawal.
While Washington has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the fight against ISIS, reports of withdrawal planning raise questions about long-term American strategy in the region.
As regional actors and military factions closely monitor these developments, the future of U.S. military involvement in Syria remains uncertain, with potential implications for stability and security across the country.