US Begins Troop Reduction in Syria, NYT reports
The decision comes in the wake of major political changes in the country, including the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, which has led to a shifting and more stable security environment.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States has begun a carefully planned reduction of its military presence in northeastern Syria (Rojava), a region long impacted by conflict, the New York Times reported on Thursday.
The decision comes in the wake of major political changes in the country, including the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, which has led to a shifting and more stable security environment.
According to senior US officials, American forces are consolidating their efforts by closing three of eight small operating bases in the region—Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a third smaller facility. The drawdown will gradually reduce troop numbers from approximately 2,000 to around 1,400.
Military officials emphasized that this move represents not a withdrawal, but a recalibration of forces to better align with current needs on the ground. US commanders will re-evaluate conditions in the next 60 days to determine whether further reductions are feasible, while recommending that at least 500 troops remain to ensure continued support for local partners.
Despite the reduction, American troops—including both conventional and Special Forces—will remain committed to their mission of supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in counterterrorism efforts and helping manage several critical detention facilities.
Officials confirmed that the drawdown, approved by the Pentagon and US Central Command, follows recommendations from commanders on the ground and reflects growing confidence in the region’s evolving stability.
