The US to Withdraw 600 Troops from Syria
World
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, The New York Times reported that the United States is closing three of its eight military bases located in northeastern Syria. At the same time, the number of U.S. troops stationed in the country will be reduced from 2,000 to 1,400.
According to the report, the bases being closed include Mission Support Site Green Village, MSS Euphrates, and another relatively small military site. NYT states that within 60 days, U.S. commanders are expected to decide whether further troop reductions are necessary.
Experts have recommended keeping at least 500 American troops in Syria. However, as the newspaper notes, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed “deep skepticism” about maintaining any military presence in the country.
Despite the drawdown, sources from The New York Times indicate that the U.S. intends to continue supporting the Kurdish-led military alliance — the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — in their fight against the terrorist group Islamic State.
On March 10, it was announced that the SDF had reached an agreement with the new Syrian authorities to integrate their civil and military structures into a new political system.
Israel has declared it will not withdraw from the occupied territories in Syria. Earlier, Israeli outlet Ynet reported that the U.S. had informed Israel of its plans to begin a gradual troop withdrawal from Syria within two months.
According to Ynet, the Israeli government is urging Washington to reconsider the decision, fearing that the American withdrawal could strengthen Turkey’s position in the region. However, the U.S. administration currently remains firm in its stance, the report says.
Experts have recommended keeping at least 500 American troops in Syria. However, as the newspaper notes, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed “deep skepticism” about maintaining any military presence in the country.
Despite the drawdown, sources from The New York Times indicate that the U.S. intends to continue supporting the Kurdish-led military alliance — the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — in their fight against the terrorist group Islamic State.
On March 10, it was announced that the SDF had reached an agreement with the new Syrian authorities to integrate their civil and military structures into a new political system.
Israel has declared it will not withdraw from the occupied territories in Syria. Earlier, Israeli outlet Ynet reported that the U.S. had informed Israel of its plans to begin a gradual troop withdrawal from Syria within two months.
According to Ynet, the Israeli government is urging Washington to reconsider the decision, fearing that the American withdrawal could strengthen Turkey’s position in the region. However, the U.S. administration currently remains firm in its stance, the report says.
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