The United States will reduce its military presence in Syria to fewer than 1,000 troops in the coming months, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday. This marks a significant downsizing in Washington’s long-standing role in the region, primarily aimed at countering the Islamic State (IS) group.
For years, US forces have operated in Syria as part of an international coalition against IS militants who, at their peak, controlled vast areas of Syria and Iraq. Though the group has suffered devastating losses, remnants still pose a threat in the region.
Pentagon Confirms Troop Reduction
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced that Defense Secretary has ordered a strategic “consolidation of US forces in Syria to select locations.” Though specific bases were not named, the move is intended to streamline operations while maintaining counterterrorism capabilities.
“This deliberate and conditions-based process will bring the US footprint in Syria down to less than 1,000 US forces in the coming months,” Parnell stated.
Despite the drawdown, US Central Command will continue targeted operations against ISIS cells still active in remote regions.
Trump’s Longstanding Skepticism on Syria
President Donald Trump has consistently expressed doubts about America’s involvement in Syria. During his first term, he called for the withdrawal of US troops, although many forces ultimately remained due to ongoing security needs.
In a recent statement, Trump reiterated his non-interventionist stance:
“Syria is a mess… THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” he posted on Truth Social.
Background: A Decade of Conflict and Coalition Efforts
The Islamic State’s rise in 2014 led to a US-led air campaign in support of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Iraqi military units. Thousands of American troops were deployed to advise and assist local fighters.
By 2019, the IS “caliphate” was officially declared defeated in Syria. However, insurgent attacks and sleeper cells continue to threaten stability, prompting ongoing US counterterror missions.
Broader Regional Shifts
The reduction in Syria comes alongside shifting US military priorities, including increased airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen and a gradual wind-down of operations in Iraq.
The US announced in December 2024 that its troop count in Syria had reached around 2,000, more than double what was previously acknowledged. The latest plan aims to reverse that surge.
Meanwhile, Iraq is also pressing for a timeline to end the coalition’s presence, with US forces expected to leave federal Iraq by end-2025, and Kurdistan by September 2026.
As the US reshapes its military footprint in the Middle East, the drawdown in Syria signals a transition from large-scale military deployment to more targeted, flexible operations in an increasingly complex regional landscape.
