U.S. Pulls All Troops from Syria, Ending Decade-Long Campaign Against ISIS

U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States is withdrawing all of its roughly 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military presence focused on combating the Islamic State group. The withdrawal, already completed at several strategic outposts in northeastern Syria and along the border with Jordan and Iraq, is expected to be finalized within two months.

The move has been described as “conditions-based” by officials, signaling that the U.S. could reassess its position if ISIS regains strength.

The decision follows major shifts in Syria, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces recently seizing most Kurdish-held territory and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces—Washington’s primary partner against ISIS for years—agreeing to integrate into the Syrian army under a U.S.-backed ceasefire.

Some U.S. and foreign officials have expressed concern that a reduced American presence could create space for an ISIS resurgence or embolden Damascus to abandon its ceasefire commitments. Others noted that the remaining U.S. contingent has become more of a political symbol than a decisive counterterrorism force.

The drawdown occurs amid rising tensions across the Middle East as the United States moves significant naval and air assets into the region in preparation for potential strikes on Iran if negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program collapse. Iran has warned it would retaliate against American forces if attacked.

The U.S. has assembled a carrier strike group off Iran’s coast and is deploying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the area.

A senior U.S. administration official said on Wednesday that “some” U.S. personnel are leaving Syria as part of a “deliberate and conditions-based transition.”

“U.S. forces remain poised to respond to any ISIS threats that arise in the region as we support partner-led efforts to prevent the terrorist network’s resurgence,” the official stated, adding that a U.S. presence “at scale” is no longer necessary given the Syrian government’s stated willingness to combat terrorist threats.

“President Trump is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors,” the official added. “This is a key element of President Trump’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Middle East.”