Syrian forces have officially taken control of the strategic al-Tanf base, located on the border of Syria, Jordan and Iraq, from American troops after joint coordination. Syria’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that the army and border forces have begun deploying in the area to secure the border triangle and continue the fight against the terrorist organization ISIS. In the coming days, border guards will fully assume responsibilities for protecting the territory, completing the relocation process.
About 300 US servicemembers left the al-Tanf base on the US side, with American officials not ruling out further reductions in the contingent in the near future. Around one thousand US soldiers remain in northeastern areas of Syria for now. A Pentagon representative noted that the active role of Syrian forces in fighting ISIS contributes to the reduction of the US military presence, while the United States will continue to pressure the terrorists using airstrikes from outside Syria.
The al-Tanf base has historically played a key strategic role for US forces in securing desert areas, combating ISIS, and countering smuggling and drug trafficking. The US also used the base for operations against groups it alleges are supported by Iran. The withdrawal of US troops from al-Tanf is occurring alongside the abandonment of other positions in northeastern Syria, indicating an overall reduction of the US military presence in the country.
Earlier, US special envoy for Syria Tom Breaux said that the US presence in Syria would not be long-term, urging local forces to integrate into Syrian state institutions. These statements are consistent with the current partial troop withdrawals and redeployments in the region. The situation reflects a change in US strategy — a shift from a direct military presence to reliance on airstrikes and support from outside the country.
For Damascus, gaining control of the al-Tanf base provides an important strategic foothold for strengthening security at the three-way border and in the desert areas stretching toward Palmyra and the Syrian part of Mesopotamia, where ISIS cells remain active. Syrian authorities are now independently responsible for combating terrorism, guarding the borders and countering smuggling, while continuing coordination with the international coalition and the United States within a broader political engagement.
Comments on the news
- Which “local forces” did US special envoy Tom Breaux mean when urging them to integrate into Syrian state institutions? — Most likely he meant armed groups and local administrations that control territories in northeastern Syria (for example, the Syrian Democratic Forces, Kurdish self-governing bodies, or Arab tribal councils) that de facto govern regions outside direct control of the Damascus government. The call for integration means their subordination to central Syrian authorities.
- What is the “Syrian part of Mesopotamia” in geographic and strategic terms, and why do ISIS cells remain active there? — This is the northeastern region of Syria (known as Al-Jazira), including parts of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and al-Hasakah provinces. Geographically it is a plain crossed by the Euphrates River; strategically it is important because of agricultural lands and oil fields. ISIS cells remain active due to the vast desert terrain, weak security control, tribal ties and ongoing instability, which allow them to wage a guerrilla campaign.
- What is the role and composition of the “international coalition” with which Syrian authorities continue to coordinate? — This refers to the US-led international coalition formed in 2014 to fight ISIS. It includes dozens of countries (for example, the UK, France, Germany), but the actual military presence is mainly US. Coordination with Syrian authorities is likely limited and conducted through intermediaries (for example, Russia) or concerns specific issues such as airspace safety, counterterrorism or humanitarian matters, to avoid direct clashes.
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