The United States is preparing to scale back its military presence in Syria, signaling a major adjustment in its approach to the region.
A senior White House official told the BBC that American forces “at scale” are no longer required in Syria as the Damascus government has agreed to assume the primary role in countering terrorism within its borders.
US troops have operated in Syria since 2015, initially deployed to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) and support local forces. Currently, about 1,000 personnel remain, but officials say most will be withdrawn over the coming months under a conditions-based plan.
The White House stressed that the US will continue monitoring threats and is ready to respond if the situation deteriorates.
The troop reduction comes as President Donald Trump increases American military deployments elsewhere in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. BBC Verify has confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided missile destroyers and dozens of fighter jets, is positioned near Iranian waters.
In addition, the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is en route to the region, expected to arrive within three weeks.
Officials told CBS News that Trump indicated US forces could be prepared for potential strikes against Iran as early as Saturday, though no final decision has been made. The move reflects a wider US strategy to reposition military assets across the Middle East while drawing down in Syria.
Within Syria, American troops have already left two bases earlier this year: the al Tanf garrison in the south and al Shaddadi in the northeast. These withdrawals followed major political shifts, including the collapse of the Assad government in 2024 and a weakened ISIS presence amid notable improvements in security.
Since then, the Trump administration has sought to improve diplomatic engagement with Damascus. Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa visited the White House in November, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader in history. The US has since pursued closer ties, while Syria has at times faced friction with local armed groups.
In January, a deal was reached to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian armed forces, aiming to unify security operations. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani to discuss maintaining the ceasefire and counterterrorism efforts. Rubio also highlighted ongoing security concerns related to remaining extremist elements.
Security incidents continue to underscore risks in the region. In December, a translator and two Iowa National Guard members were killed in an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, prompting the Trump administration to launch a series of retaliatory strikes called Operation Hawkeye Strike.
The planned US withdrawal signals a shift in responsibility to Syrian authorities while the US repositions its military to address other regional threats, particularly regarding Iran.
