Damascus welcomes return of strategic military sites from US forces

Syria’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed the transfer of military sites previously operated by US forces to Syrian government control, describing the move as a step toward restoring state authority over all national territory.

In a statement, the ministry said the handover reflects ongoing efforts by the Syrian government to unify the country under a single state authority and reassert sovereignty over areas that had remained outside its control, including parts of the northeast and border regions, Caliber.Az reports.

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic pic.twitter.com/Nhr9IHoJcp

— وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين السورية (@syrianmofaex) April 16, 2026

The ministry added that the completion of the transfer represents a “natural outcome” of the successful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into national structures, as well as the state’s assumption of full responsibility for combating terrorism and addressing regional threats within its territory.

It further stated that Washington’s decision to end its military mission in Syria reflects a shift in circumstances that initially justified the US presence, particularly the fight against ISIS, stressing that Syria is now capable of leading counterterrorism efforts in cooperation with the international community.

According to the statement, the handover was carried out in coordination between the Syrian and US governments, and reflects the evolving relationship between Damascus and Washington following what it described as the historic meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and President Donald Trump at the White House in October 2025.

The ministry also expressed Syria’s intention to expand diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation with the United States in the next phase.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence said Syrian Arab Army forces had taken control of Qasrak Air Base in the Hasakah countryside following the withdrawal of coalition forces.

By Vafa Guliyeva