The United States is preparing to largely withdraw its remaining troops from Syria in the coming months, a senior White House official confirmed. The Syrian government has agreed to assume primary responsibility for combating terrorism within its borders, reducing the need for a large-scale U.S. military presence. American forces have been stationed in Syria since 2015 as part of the anti-terrorism campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS). This decision coincides with President Donald Trump's increased military deployment in the Middle East due to escalating tensions with Iran.
Getty Images US President Donald Trumps meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House
While the roughly 1,000 U.S. troops will be removed, the official stated the withdrawal is part of a conditions-based transition, with the U.S. prepared to address any regional threats. This development follows reports of increased U.S. naval presence in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford, near Iran. The U.S. has also reportedly prepared for potential strikes against Iran. U.S. troops had previously departed bases in southern and northeastern Syria earlier this year.