U.S. Claims Withdrawal of 1,000 Troops From Syria as Israeli Forces Advance in the South
Washington says the pullout will occur within two months, as Israeli occupation activity intensifies in southern Syria and instability persists
United States | PUREWILAYAH.COM — The United States is reportedly preparing to withdraw approximately 1,000 troops from Syria within the next two months, a move that would effectively bring an end to Washington’s direct military presence in the country, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The reported plan comes amid continued instability in southern Syria and ongoing Israeli occupation activity, underscoring the limited impact of years of U.S. military deployment on regional security or political resolution.
U.S. Military Presence Set to End
U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal that the withdrawal is expected to take place over the coming weeks and would involve nearly all American troops currently stationed in Syria. If implemented as described, the move would mark a full U.S. military exit from the country.
Around 1,000 American soldiers remain deployed in Syria as part of Washington’s broader military posture in West Asia, a presence that has long lacked legal authorization from Damascus and has been widely criticized as an occupation rather than a stabilizing force.
Southern Syria Tensions Continue
The reported U.S. withdrawal coincides with renewed Israeli military activity in southern Syria. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces advanced into villages in the western countryside of Daraa, entering Saisoun and al-Masritiya and establishing checkpoints, according to local sources.
These developments occurred despite a joint statement issued last month by the United States, “Israel,” and Syria announcing strategic understandings aimed at enhancing security and stability.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said Damascus had adopted what he described as a realistic approach to engagement, while accusing the Israeli regime of continued escalation.
He stressed that any political process must ultimately result in the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas occupied following the change of power in Syria in December 2024.
According to the report, U.S. officials insisted that the planned withdrawal is not linked to current U.S. force deployments elsewhere in the region or to contingency planning related to Iran, should negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program fail.
The move highlights Washington’s gradual retrenchment from Syria after years of military involvement that failed to deliver stability, sovereignty, or a sustainable political outcome. (PW)