The United States has begun the process of closing three of its eight military bases in northeastern Syria, marking a significant reduction in the American presence in the region, The New York Times reported on April 17, 2025, citing two senior Pentagon officials. According to them, the number of troops will be reduced from 2000 to 1400. The decision, approved by the Pentagon and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), provides for the elimination of Mission Support Site Green Village, MSS Euphrates, and another unnamed smaller facility. After 60 days, the military leadership plans to assess the need for further troop withdrawal.

The troop reduction reflects US President Donald Trump's skepticism about the wisdom of keeping American forces in Syria. One of the publication's sources noted that Trump expressed doubts about the need for even a minimal number of troops, despite the command's recommendation to leave at least 500 soldiers to support the allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Kurdish military alliance continues to fight the remnants of the Islamic State (IS, banned in Russia) terrorist group and needs American support to prevent a revival of extremists. However, according to officials, the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 has reduced the level of threats in the region, which was one of the factors in the decision to reduce the force.

The withdrawal from Syria is part of a broader Trump policy aimed at reducing the US military presence abroad. According to Reuters, in March 2025, the Trump administration announced a review of operations in Iraq and Syria, citing the need to focus on domestic priorities and countering China. According to Al Jazeera, the closure of bases in Syria began after consultations with the SDF, which expressed concern about the possible rise of Turkey and the groups it backs in the region. Turkey, a US ally in NATO, considers the SDF to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara classifies as a terrorist organization.

According to The Washington Post, the withdrawal of troops has caused concern among Kurdish leaders, who fear that the reduction in American support will weaken their position in the fight against ISIS and the confrontation with Turkey. At the same time, as the BBC notes, Russia, which maintains a military presence in Syria, may increase its influence in the region, especially after agreements with the new authorities in Damascus. Moscow, according to TASS, has already offered support in restoring Syrian infrastructure, which has caused concern among Western analysts.