Media: US troops withdraw from two more bases in northeast Syria Amid Rising ISIS Threat

U.S. forces have pulled out of two additional military bases in northeastern Syria, Reuters reporters found during recent visits, accelerating the ongoing troop reduction in the region.

The withdrawal has raised concerns among Kurdish forces who fear it could lead to a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS), Caliber.Az reports.

The two bases, Al-Wazir and Tel Baydar in Hasaka province, were found largely deserted and guarded only by small units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group supported by Washington in its fight against ISIS for over ten years.

Security cameras previously installed by the U.S.-led coalition had been removed, and the perimeter’s razor wire was sagging.

A Kurdish politician living on one of the bases confirmed that U.S. troops were no longer present. SDF guards at the other base said the U.S. forces had recently left but did not specify when. The Pentagon declined to comment on the withdrawals.

This marks the first on-the-ground confirmation that the U.S. has withdrawn from these two bases, bringing the total number of abandoned bases in Syria to at least four since President Donald Trump took office.

The Trump administration announced plans earlier this month to reduce its military presence in northeastern Syria from eight bases to just one. Reports suggest troop numbers could fall from around 2,000 to 500.

The SDF did not provide details about current troop numbers or how many U.S. bases remain open. However, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi told Reuters at another base, Al Shadadi, that the reduced U.S. presence would be insufficient to contain ISIS.

“The threat from Islamic State has increased significantly recently,” Abdi said. “But this is the U.S. military’s plan. We have known about it for some time and are working with them to avoid any gaps so pressure on ISIS can continue.”

Abdi spoke just hours before Israel launched air strikes on Iran. When asked about the potential impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on Syria, he expressed hope it would not spill over and said he felt safe on the U.S. base. Shortly after, three Iranian-made missiles targeted Al Shadadi but were intercepted by U.S. defence systems, according to SDF sources.

ISIS remains active in several Syrian cities, including Damascus. Since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, ISIS cells have reemerged, reportedly boosted by foreign jihadists who previously fought the regime. The group has also seized weapons from regime depots amid the chaos following Assad’s ousting.

Several Kurdish officials told Reuters that ISIS militants are moving more openly near recently abandoned U.S. bases, including areas around Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, former ISIS strongholds. East of the Euphrates, ISIS has launched multiple attacks, killing at least ten SDF fighters and security personnel.

These attacks include a roadside bomb targeting a convoy of oil tankers close to the base where Abdi gave his interview.

By Aghakazim Guliyev