Peregraf
The United States has started a phased drawdown of its troops in Syria, planning to reduce its military footprint to fewer than 1,000 personnel. The move reflects a strategic recalibration, according to a new report by Operation Inherent Resolve.
U.S. and Coalition forces recently completed the first phase of consolidation, withdrawing from three strategic bases in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. The sites—Green Village, Euphrates, and H2—were dismantled or transferred to the Syrian Democratic Forces and remaining personnel redeployed.
Despite the reduction, the Pentagon insists American forces remain capable of striking ISIS targets. The U.S. will continue supporting the SDF in preventing an ISIS resurgence, particularly within displacement camps that house thousands of suspected militant affiliates.
The drawdown occurs amid rising tensions between Arab tribal groups and the SDF, which governs northeast Syria through its civilian administration. While initial reactions to the U.S. withdrawals were muted, commanders warn that friction may increase in the absence of U.S. mediation.
Arab communities accuse the Kurdish-led SDF of marginalizing them in both governance and resource control. Sporadic attacks—ranging from small arms to indirect fire—have continued. Officials fear that the reduced American presence could embolden tribal unrest and further destabilize the region.
The U.S. shift reflects an evolving counterterrorism posture, but concerns remain. With U.S. troops having served as a stabilizing force in the MERV, analysts caution that further withdrawals could weaken efforts to contain local conflict and deter extremist regrouping.