United States to Revise Syria Strategy Amid Troop Withdrawals

Shafaq News

U.S. troops in Syria.

The United States is preparing to revise its strategy in Syria, coinciding with the ongoing withdrawal of American forces from several military installations across the country, Thomas Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy to Syria, announced on Monday, 2 June 2025.

In an interview with the Turkish television channel NTV, Ambassador Barrack confirmed that Washington is reassessing its approach, acknowledging that previous policies have not delivered the intended results.

He emphasised the need for a new direction, particularly with regard to the United States’ partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signalling a possible shift in long-standing policy.

Meanwhile, Fox News reported that approximately 500 American troops have been withdrawn from Syria in recent weeks.

At the same time, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that United States forces have undertaken a sudden withdrawal from two major military bases in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria — a move described as one of the most significant shifts in U.S. military presence in northeastern Syria to date.

According to the Observatory, the withdrawal process began gradually on 18 May and has notably accelerated over the past two days.

According to U.S. officials, three military bases have either been closed or handed over to the SDF. These include the complete closure of the al-Omar base, the transfer of the Conoco base to SDF control, and the evacuation of a smaller outpost.

This development follows the Pentagon’s announcement in April that it would reduce the American military presence in Syria from around 2,000 troops to approximately 400, as part of a broader force consolidation strategy.



PUKMEDIA