U.S. Set to Withdraw Remaining Troops from Syria as Iran Tensions Escalate

The United States is preparing to pull its approximately 1,000 remaining troops out of Syria over the next two months, ending a decade-long military presence there. The move comes alongside heightened regional tensions with Iran, even as Damascus assumes greater counterterrorism responsibilities.

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Feb 19, 2026 - 11:25

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U.S. Set to Withdraw Remaining Troops from Syria as Iran Tensions Escalate

The U.S. is embarking on a phased withdrawal of its remaining military forces from Syria, with roughly 1,000 troops expected to depart within the next two months, according to senior American officials and media reports. This move would effectively end Washington’s decade-long military presence in the war-torn country, which began with the fight against the Islamic State group and evolved into broader strategic involvement. The pullout follows recent handovers of key bases, including the al-Tanf garrison, to Syrian government control and reflects U.S. assessments that local partners are increasingly capable of handling counterterrorism operations. While U.S. officials assert the drawdown is part of a conditions-based transition and not directly linked to other regional operations, it coincides with an expanded U.S. military posture elsewhere in the Middle East as tensions rise with Iran. Critics warn that reducing the U.S. footprint could create security vacuums and embolden extremist groups, even as officials insist U.S. forces remain ready to respond to emerging threats.