U.S. Pulls All Troops from Syria, Ending Decade-Long Mission Against ISIS

By James Morley III | Wednesday, 18 February 2026 08:50 PM EST
U.S. officials confirmed the United States is withdrawing all of its approximately 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military presence focused on countering the Islamic State group.

The withdrawal, already completed at several strategic outposts in northeastern Syria and along the Syria-Jordan-Iraq border, is expected to be finalized within two months. Officials characterized the move as “conditions-based,” indicating potential reconsideration if the Islamic State group regains strength.

The decision follows significant shifts in Syria, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces recently seizing most Kurdish-held territory and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces—Washington’s primary partner against ISIS for years—agreeing to integrate into the Syrian army under a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement.

Some U.S. and foreign officials expressed concerns that reduced American presence could create space for an ISIS resurgence or embolden Damascus to abandon its ceasefire commitments. Others noted the remaining U.S. contingent has become more of a political symbol than a decisive counterterrorism force.

The drawdown occurs amid escalating Middle East tensions, as the United States deploys significant naval and air assets into the region in preparation for potential strikes on Iran if negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program collapse. Iran has warned it would retaliate against American forces if attacked. The U.S. has assembled a carrier strike group off Iran’s coast and deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the area.

A senior U.S. administration official stated Wednesday that “some” U.S. personnel are leaving Syria as part of a “deliberate and conditions-based transition.” The official added: “U.S. forces remain poised to respond to any ISIS threats that arise in the region as we support partner-led efforts to prevent the terrorist network’s resurgence.” He emphasized that a U.S. presence “at scale” is no longer necessary given the Syrian government’s stated willingness to combat terrorist threats.

The official further noted: “President Trump is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.”