US Forces Withdraw from Syria as Country Seizes Remaining Bases

US Military Completes Handover of Bases in Syria

A final convoy of US soldiers and equipment has departed Qasrak air base in the northeastern governorate of Hasakah, marking the end of a military presence that began in 2014. The handover comes after a deal was struck between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in January, which saw Kurdish fighters being brought into the Syrian national army.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received two senior SDF officials, Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmad, in Damascus on Thursday. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and a presidential envoy overseeing the integration process were also present at the meeting.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the completed handover, stating that it reflected the government’s efforts to bring the country under a single state authority. The transfer was carried out in full coordination with the US, according to the ministry.

US Central Command confirmed that all major bases in Syria have been handed over as part of a deliberate transition process. The handover follows a deal struck between Damascus and the SDF, which saw Syrian government forces seize control of territory previously controlled by the group.

The agreement also led to the deployment of Syrian security forces to city centers and the transfer of control of border crossings and civilian institutions to Damascus. Syria joined the international coalition against ISIL in November, marking a significant shift in its relationship with the US.

According to reports, the last soldiers and equipment were transported overland through Jordan rather than Iraq to minimize exposure to potential attacks by Iranian-backed armed groups operating in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera