Trump moves toward full U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria as Pentagon prepares plans

President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about withdrawing all U.S. troops from Syria, prompting the Pentagon to develop withdrawal plans based on timelines of 30, 60, or 90 days. This development comes after Trump and key officials in his circle questioned the ongoing necessity of U.S. military involvement in Syria. Historically, Trump has been critical of prolonged military engagements in the Middle East, viewing them as costly and not yielding sufficient long-term benefits for the U.S. His statement at a recent media event, calling Syria “its own mess,” signals his growing frustration with the U.S. being involved in complex conflicts far from its shores. While previous attempts to pull out troops from Syria were thwarted by military leaders, including former Defense Secretary James Mattis, the current momentum may reflect a more decisive turn in U.S. foreign policy. However, the question remains whether such a move could further destabilize the region and cede ground to rival powers like Russia and Iran.

The U.S. military has had a presence in Syria for several years, largely focused on defeating ISIS and supporting local forces such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These Kurdish-led forces have been instrumental in the fight against the Islamic State, maintaining key territorial gains in northeastern Syria. The U.S. has also played a critical role in securing prisons and detention centers housing tens of thousands of individuals, including captured ISIS fighters. At the time of this report, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Syria, more than double the previously reported number. While the Pentagon insists that these troops are part of a temporary rotational force designed to maintain security and stability, the long-term U.S. presence in the region remains a point of contention. Trump’s desire to withdraw troops stems from his larger vision of reducing U.S. military footprints overseas, especially in regions where he believes American involvement is no longer serving a strategic purpose. A full withdrawal could significantly impact ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and curb the resurgence of ISIS.

One of the most significant risks associated with withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria is the potential destabilization of critical security operations, particularly the management of detention facilities. These centers currently house over 50,000 detainees, including approximately 9,000 ISIS fighters. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are responsible for guarding these prisons, but they depend heavily on U.S. and allied support to maintain security. Without U.S. assistance, there is growing concern that the SDF may have to shift their focus to offensive operations and neglect their role in prison management, leading to a potential mass release of ISIS prisoners. Additionally, regional terrorist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition of Sunni Islamist insurgents with ties to Al Qaeda, are capitalizing on the power vacuum created by Assad’s weakening regime. As HTS expands its influence, the U.S. and its allies may struggle to prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups in the area. These challenges raise doubts about the feasibility of a complete U.S. withdrawal and its long-term consequences for security in the region.

Trump’s proposed withdrawal also signals a shift in U.S. diplomatic strategy in Syria. Over the past few years, the U.S. has been involved in navigating the complex political and military landscape of Syria, including engaging with various opposition groups and non-state actors. Recently, the U.S. held its first formal meeting with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leaders, signaling a potential shift in Washington’s approach to the country’s political future. HTS, which emerged from the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, has pledged to form an inclusive government through a political transition, with elections possibly taking place within the next few years. However, many experts believe this transition is unlikely to be smooth, and the timeline could stretch for years, leaving Syria in a state of prolonged instability. By removing U.S. forces, Trump could be signaling a more isolationist approach, reducing U.S. involvement in international political negotiations. However, this decision could risk ceding influence to Russia, Iran, and other regional powers, potentially reshaping the political and military future of Syria.