U.S. announces withdrawal of ALL remaining troops from Syria amid rising tensions with Iran
The U.S. has begun withdrawing its remaining 1,000 troops from Syria in a phased two-month process, handing over key bases (Al Tanf Garrison and Al-Shaddadi) to the Syrian government, now controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot.
The withdrawal follows Syria’s recent consolidation of power under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who reclaimed Kurdish-held territories and integrated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters into the national army – despite concerns over jihadist infiltration and war crimes against minorities.
Tensions escalated after a Syrian soldier linked to extremists killed two U.S. troops and an interpreter in December, prompting Operation Hawkeye Strike (100+ airstrikes). However, analysts doubt Syria’s ability to suppress ISIS without U.S. support.
The pullout coincides with a U.S. military buildup near Iran, though officials deny a direct connection, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeks assurances from Damascus to uphold counterterrorism commitments and Kurdish ceasefire agreements.
Critics warn the withdrawal risks emboldening ISIS and Damascus, recalling Trump’s 2018 partial reversal, while supporters view it as aligning with his America First policy – though concerns remain over a geopolitical vacuum and potential Deep State exploitation for renewed intervention.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-02-19-us-announces-withdrawal-all-remaining-troops-syria.html
