TEHRAN – The United States’ withdrawal from the Al-Tanf base in southern Syria signals a shift in military strategy rather than a full exit.
Washington appears to be reducing its presence in exposed positions while strengthening its footprint in more fortified locations, maintaining the ability to intervene rapidly when necessary.
The United States established the Al-Tanf base in 2014 under the pretext of combating Daesh. At one point, U.S. forces were stationed at 22 sites across Syria. That number has since been reduced to nine and could eventually shrink to one or two.
Following the withdrawal from Al-Tanf, two main U.S. bases remain: one in Rmelan, which hosts a U.S. command facility and a helicopter landing strip, and another in Qasrak near Tal Tamr along the Hasakah – Tal Tamr road.
Analysts emphasize that the departure from Al-Tanf is more of a repositioning than a complete withdrawal. U.S. forces have reportedly shifted several kilometers into Jordanian territory as part of a broader redeployment strategy.
Strategically, the move reflects a broader shift in U.S. military doctrine, from static defense to mobile offense, aimed at reducing the risks and attacks faced by fixed bases in the region. Washington appears to be minimizing exposure in vulnerable areas while consolidating in fortified positions, preserving operational flexibility.
Strategic importance of Al-Tanf
Al-Tanf sits along the international highway linking Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Its primary function was to monitor Iranian assistance to the former Syrian government in its war against Daesh.
The timing of the withdrawal is notable. It coincides with international reports warning of renewed Daesh activity in Syria over the past six months, with estimates suggesting around 3,000 terrorists remain active in the region.
Possible motives behind the withdrawal
Several explanations have been suggested as the possible motives behind the withdrawal. One possibility is that the United States is preparing for potential military action against Iran and fears the base could be targeted by Iranian allies operating nearby.
Regional concerns
There are also concerns about a possible U.S.–Israeli regime understanding regarding what has been described as the “David Corridor”, a proposed route stretching from Sweida in southern Syria to Qamishli, in the northeast.
There are shifting political dynamics, along with domestic pressures facing President Trump, that could alter U.S. calculations. The Zionist regime’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought strategic gains in Syria, particularly regarding Turkish involvement. These developments raise questions about whether the regime could assume a more prominent future role in Syria.
Al-Tanf was first established in 1991, before the Persian Gulf War, and then closed after hostilities in Kuwait ended. It reopened in 2003 during the U.S. invasion of Iraq, serving as a logistical hub for operations in the Iraqi provinces of Anbar and Nineveh before closing again.
Daesh seized the Al-Tanf crossing in May 2015 amid its rapid territorial expansion before fleeing the area in March 2016.
The base was subsequently reopened to train what the United States called the “moderate Free Syrian Army,” later known as the New Syrian Army.
Estimates of U.S. personnel stationed at Al-Tanf have varied. Some reports placed the number between 100 and 200 troops, while others suggested it exceeded 600 at certain points.
In addition to Al-Tanf, U.S. forces maintain several bases concentrated in northeastern Syria, including sites in Hasakah province such as Rmelan also known as Kharab al-Jir.
Reports have emerged suggesting that U.S. forces have begun evacuating from Qasrak, another major American base in northeastern Syria. However, these claims remain unverified.
Overall, most estimates indicate that around 2,000 American troops remain in Syria, although no precise official figure has been publicly confirmed.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: tehrantimes.com
