US military begins withdrawing from key base in northeastern Syria
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has initiated the withdrawal of its military forces from a key base in northeastern Syria, marking the first phase of what is expected to be a several-week-long process. The pullout follows Syrian government forces gaining control of the region from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Heavy machinery, personnel, and armored vehicles were observed moving from Qasrak base, the largest U.S. facility in Syria, towards northern Iraq.
This move comes after months of reduced U.S. military presence in Syria, with numbers dropping from 1,500 personnel in July to approximately 900 currently. The withdrawal is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump’s administration, which has been considering a full exit since at least January. While the pullout will significantly reduce U.S. influence in the region, forces will remain at Rmelan base near the Iraqi border.
The SDF, once Washington’s primary ally against ISIS, had controlled large parts of northern and eastern Syria until recently losing territory to Syrian government forces. Under a deal with the Syrian government, they agreed to integrate with the Syrian army, leading to the latter taking control of key areas, including the U.S. base at al-Tanf.
This strategic shift raises concerns about regional stability and the potential resurgence of ISIS. The pullout could weaken efforts against extremist groups and strain relations between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. Internationally, this development highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the uncertain future of U.S. involvement in Syria’s conflict.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026