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Washington Reduces Its Forces... and Reinforces Them in Strategic Locations in Syria
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This new American strategy highlights the importance of maintaining a limited and influential military presence in Syria, to prevent the return of terrorist organizations and continue supporting local
Pentagon spokesman Sean Barnell stated in an official statement issued on April 18, 2025, that the US Secretary of Defense ordered the reorganization of US military forces in Syria under the command of the Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve in specific strategic locations, acknowledging the tangible success achieved by the United States in combating ISIS, including its regional defeat in 2019 during President Trump's administration.
Barnell explained that this consolidation embodies the significant achievements made in undermining ISIS's appeal and weakening its operational capabilities at both regional and global levels, indicating that this deliberate process based on an accurate assessment of field conditions will lead to reducing the US military presence in Syria to fewer than one thousand soldiers in the coming months.
The spokesman pointed to the major achievements made by the international coalition to defeat ISIS over the past decade, especially those that led to the regional defeat of the organization in 2019, in addition to the US Central Command carrying out dozens of airstrikes during the past year to deepen the collapse of ISIS's capabilities and prevent it from regaining strength.
The statement noted that with the completion of this consolidation, and in line with President Trump's commitment to achieving peace through strength, the US Central Command will remain on alert to continue its strikes against remaining ISIS elements in Syria, while closely coordinating with active coalition partners to continue pressure on the organization and address any emerging terrorist threats.
Barnell emphasized that the threat of terrorism is not limited to the Middle East region, which requires vigilance around the world to ensure that ISIS is not provided with a safe haven, stressing his country's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its regional partners to continue weakening ISIS and other terrorist organizations in the region.
He added that among the main efforts to weaken ISIS's power is working to reduce the numbers of displaced persons and detainees associated with the organization in camps and detention centers in northeastern Syria, calling on the international community to take responsibility by returning its citizens to their countries of origin.
The spokesman concluded by affirming that the Department of Defense continues to maintain its advanced military capabilities in the region, with the possibility of making flexible adjustments to the deployment of its forces based on developments in the security situation on the ground, promising to provide the media with more updates as they become available.
