On August 6, the Pentagon confirmed a significant shift in its operations in the Middle East: the closure of three American military bases in Syria. The facilities — Mission Support Site Green Village, H2, and Euphrates — are no longer under U.S. control. Instead, responsibility has been transferred to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), long-time partners in the fight against terrorism.
This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce U.S. military presence in the region. The withdrawal began in May, with American troops gradually pulling out from the three locations. Some personnel have been redeployed to other strategic sites in Syria and Iraq, while others have returned home. Though exact figures remain undisclosed, Pentagon estimates suggest around 500 troops have left the area.
Currently, approximately 1,400 American service members remain in Syria, indicating a shift rather than a full-scale departure. The decision reflects an evolving approach to counterterrorism and regional stability, with greater reliance on allied local forces.
This development comes amid a politically sensitive transition in Syria, following the ousting of the long-standing government in December 2024. As the new leadership works to consolidate power, the handover of U.S. bases to the SDF appears to be a calculated effort to maintain balance and security without direct foreign oversight.
Neither the Syrian Democratic Forces nor the new Syrian authorities have issued public statements regarding the transition at the time of publication. Still, one thing is clear: the dynamics in Syria are changing — and this may be just the beginning.
