US to largely pull troops from Syria as Damascus takes lead on terrorism

US plans phased withdrawal

A senior White House official told the BBC the United States is preparing to largely withdraw its remaining roughly 1,000 troops from Syria over the next few months, saying the Syrian government has agreed to take the lead in combating terrorism inside its borders and that a large-scale US military presence is no longer required. Officials described the move as a conditions-based transition and stressed Washington remains ready to respond to regional threats. Earlier this year US forces left the al-Tanf and al-Shaddadi bases amid what the administration says are security improvements in Syria and a weakened Islamic State.

Regional buildup and diplomatic shifts

The announcement comes as the US increases military assets in the wider Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran: BBC Verify located the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran, and the USS Gerald R. Ford is reported to be en route. Senior US officials told partners the president had ordered forces to be prepared for possible strikes on Iran, though no final decision had been made. The administration has also pursued closer engagement with Damascus, including high-level meetings between US and Syrian officials, while counter‑IS operations continue following attacks such as the December ambush in Palmyra. as reported by BBC