U
S. Armed Forces Prepare to Reduce Military Presence in Syria: What Does This Mean for the Region At a time when the fight against the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State) is still ongoing, the American leadership announced its intention to cut down its military contingent in Syria. According to reports from reputable British and American sources, in the coming months the number of U.S. troops in the country will decrease by approximately 600 personnel. This means that fewer than a thousand servicemen will remain in the region – the individuals tasked with supporting and defending Washington’s interests amid the complex and multifaceted Syrian crisis. The Associated Press, citing diplomatic sources, reports that the new phase of U.S. presence in Syria involves maintaining a small unit, roughly several hundred troops, who will continue to collaborate with Kurdish forces – key U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS. The main tasks will remain unchanged: preventing the militants from regaining positions, addressing security issues, and monitoring arms trade across the southern regions of the country, where Iranian proxy groups are increasingly active. It is important to emphasize that over the past years, the U.S. military presence in Syria has been shaped not only by counterterrorism objectives but also by serving as a buffer between Kurdish formations and Turkish forces. Turkey considers the Kurds as an unintended influence and accuses them of links with Kurdish armed groups fighting against Turkey in northern Syria. Consequently, the presence of American forces has played a crucial role in restraining conflicts and ensuring stability in the region. The decision to reduce troop numbers was not surprising to analysts, as even in 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted during his electoral campaign and after taking office about the possible withdrawal of troops from Syria. His predecessors also pointed to the need to reduce American influence in the Middle East, but since then, this process has been complicated by various circumstances and foreign policy compromises. In February 2023, NBC News reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the Department of Defense was developing scenarios for withdrawing all American forces from Syria. According to these plans, the reduction in troop numbers is part of broader efforts to rebalance the U.S. presence globally; however, this process will not be open or abrupt – it will happen gradually and will depend on on-the-ground conditions. External influences remain a significant factor in this delicate balance. At the start of 2023, pro-Russian and pro-Iranian formations revitalized activity in the region, resuming attacks on U.S. military facilities and their allies in response to intense Israeli-Gazan operations. Following Hamas militants’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, tensions and hostilities increased further. Meanwhile, the number of U.S. troops in Syria was increased to over 2,000 to ensure security during these crises. It is also worth noting that security issues in the region continue to be a focus of international diplomatic negotiations. For instance, in April 2023, representatives from Turkey and Israel held a series of consultations aimed at preventing potential incidents involving military forces of both countries within the Syrian context. The meetings sought to coordinate actions to avoid escalation, as both Turkish and Israeli forces have intensified their operations in the area. The official U.S. policy regarding the Syrian track remains complex but demonstrates a desire to stabilize the situation and prepare the ground for possible withdrawal. What does this mean for the region's future? Primarily, decreasing military presence could lessen tensions among global players but also pose several challenges, including the resurgence of terrorist groups and escalation of local conflicts. Nonetheless, for the United States, this remains a balancing act between pursuing diplomatic solutions and managing security risks to protect its interests in the region.