US to withdraw all troops from Syria: Reports

WASHINGTON: The United States is planning to withdraw all of its approximately 1,000 troops from Syria over the next two months, according to US media reports on Wednesday.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington intends to end its military presence in the country following significant political and military developments inside Syria. 

The report said the Syrian government has consolidated control over much of the country, while the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) once a key US partner in the fight against the Islamic State group have pledged to integrate into state structures.

CBS News also cited unnamed US officials confirming the planned withdrawal.

US forces have recently pulled back from several bases in Syria, including Al-Tanf and Al-Shadadi, which were central to operations conducted by the US-led international coalition against Islamic State (IS).

The reported decision follows shifting dynamics in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. 

Since then, Washington has sought closer engagement with Syria’s new authorities and has transferred thousands of suspected IS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to more secure locations in Iraq.

At the same time, the United States has increased its military capabilities near Iran amid rising regional tensions. Iranian officials have warned that any attack on Iranian territory would be met with retaliatory measures targeting American military positions in the region.

US media outlets reported Wednesday that Washington could be prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, although President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, according to the reports.