Pentagon announces reduction of US forces in Syria as part of ongoing ISIS campaign

In a statement released on April 19, the Pentagon confirmed the consolidation of US military forces in Syria under the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). 

The decision, directed by the Secretary of Defence, reflects the substantial progress the US has made in the fight against ISIS, particularly following the group’s territorial defeat in 2019 under the leadership of President Trump, Caliber.Az reports.

The Pentagon’s statement emphasized that this consolidation is a deliberate, conditions-based process aimed at reducing the US military footprint in Syria to fewer than 1,000 personnel in the coming months. The decision comes after nearly a decade of operations aimed at weakening ISIS' territorial control and operational capabilities both regionally and globally.

“The United States has made major gains over the past ten years, particularly the 2019 territorial defeat of ISIS,” the Pentagon spokesperson said. “Our forces have significantly degraded ISIS’ appeal and operational capabilities through a series of strategic airstrikes and coordinated military actions.”

While the number of US troops in Syria will be reduced, the Pentagon stressed that US Central Command remains committed to continuing airstrikes against the remnants of ISIS in the region. The US will continue to work closely with its Coalition partners to maintain pressure on ISIS and respond to emerging terrorist threats, ensuring that the group is denied the ability to regain strength.

The Pentagon’s announcement also reiterated the ongoing commitment to the global fight against terrorism. “The threat of terrorism is not confined to the Middle East,” the statement noted. “We will remain vigilant across all continents to ensure that ISIS has nowhere to hide.”

A significant aspect of this effort is the continued push to address the populations of displaced and detained ISIS-linked individuals in northeast Syria. The U.S. has called on the international community to repatriate their nationals from camps and detention facilities, a critical step in further degrading ISIS strength in the region.

In closing, the Pentagon emphasized that the Department of Defense retains significant capabilities in the region, with the flexibility to make adjustments based on evolving security dynamics. Additional updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.

By Vafa Guliyeva