The U.S. military may reduce its troop count in Syria by up to half, from about 2,000 to approximately 1,000, as part of a consolidation plan. This decision comes amidst heightened military activity in the region and ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding nuclear issues.
The United States military is preparing to considerably reduce its troop presence in Syria, potentially halving the current count of approximately 2,000 personnel stationed in the country, according to two officials who spoke with Reuters. This consolidation of forces, expected in the coming weeks, is aimed at supporting local allies in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State, which had previously seized significant territories in the region but has since been largely repelled.
One official, who requested anonymity, indicated that troop numbers could decrease to around 1,000. However, another official raised concerns regarding the feasibility of such a significant reduction, especially in light of ongoing negotiations with Iran and the recent enhancement of U.S. military assets in the area, including B-2 bombers and warships.
President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Iran is deliberately stalling negotiations for a nuclear deal and emphasized the need for Iran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. He warned that failure to comply could result in a military response targeted at Tehran’s nuclear facilities. In conjunction with this geopolitical tension, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is currently conducting a worldwide assessment of American military troop deployments.
In Aleppo, the newly formed Islamist-led government, established following the ousting of Bashar Assad, aims to strengthen Syria’s regional relationships. Last month, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which have received U.S. support, entered into an agreement with the central government to merge governing bodies and security teams. Although the U.S. outlined conditions in March for potential sanctions relief, there has been minimal engagement with Syria’s new leadership as some officials advocate for a more stringent approach, referencing prior links to Al-Qaeda.
In summary, the U.S. military is poised to reduce its presence in Syria significantly, potentially decreasing troop levels to around 1,000. This strategic move coincides with ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning Iran. While the Kurdish forces in Syria advance their governance through partnerships with the central government, the U.S. administration remains cautious, influenced by the new Syrian leadership’s history associated with terrorism. The situation warrants close attention as developments unfold.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
