France to expand military presence in Syria amid US troop withdrawal

France is planning to bolster its military presence in northeastern Syria as the United States continues its troop withdrawal, sources close to the French Foreign Ministry have revealed.

The move is part of France's broader strategy to strengthen its role in the international coalition against ISIS, particularly in light of the shifting dynamics in the region, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

French military personnel currently stationed in the region number between 100 and 200. In response to the ongoing US drawdown, France is considering increasing its contingent in Syria, as well as enhancing its mission in Erbil, northern Iraq. This is part of a broader initiative to ensure continued stability in the fight against ISIS and to safeguard the hard-won gains in the region.

In addition to its military efforts, France is also working to facilitate dialogue between the Syrian Democratic Forces (which includes terrorist organization RKK/YPG) and Türkiye. France aims to mediate and foster negotiations to mitigate tensions between the SDF and Türkiye, which views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Paris sees the evolving balance of power in the region as an opportunity to reassert its political influence, capitalizing on the US' reduced footprint in Syria. France’s strategic objectives include maintaining stability, countering terrorism, and potentially increasing its diplomatic clout in the complex geopolitics of Syria and the broader Middle East.

As the United States gradually reduces its military presence, France’s decision to ramp up its involvement reflects its desire to remain a key player in the region's future security landscape, particularly in the context of ongoing instability and the persistent threat of ISIS resurgence.

By Vafa Guliyeva