The Pentagon is developing plans for a possible total withdrawal of American troops from Syria, senior defense officials said on the condition of anonymity. The move represents a major change in U.S. military strategy in the region and follows renewed interest from President Donald Trump in withdrawing America’s military presence in the country.
Military planners are looking at timeframes for the withdrawal that could be anywhere from 30 to 90 days, a recognition of the complex logistics necessary to safely pull U.S. forces from its current locations. The move would mark one of the most significant transformations of America’s military presence in the Middle East in several years.
The discussions take place amid National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s recent visit to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. On his Friday visit, Waltz had several meetings with military leaders and received in-depth briefings on regional issues. But a White House official said troop withdrawal plans were not on the agenda of such talks.
“The NSA’s visit to CENTCOM was about gaining a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics,” explained the White House official, noting the timing of high-level diplomatic engagements, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Tuesday White House visit and an upcoming meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah.
The potential withdrawal from Syria is generating disagreement among specialists about its effect on Syrian stability and Middle Eastern security. The U.S. withdrawal from Syria would cause major changes to Syria’s power dynamics according to Middle East security specialist Dr. Sarah Martinez from Georgetown Center for Strategic Studies. The departure would leave an opening for diverse actors such as Russia and Iran to establish control in this area.
The present American military occupation sites in Syria have become subjects of concern for the Syrian civilian population because news emerged about possible U.S. troop removal. According to local shopkeeper Ahmad Khalil the American military deployment brings stability to eastern Syria. The American forces’ withdrawal would reshape all circumstances that currently affect us.
The rapid withdrawal of forces demands military experts to perform extensive planning according to logistics experts. A complex matter according to retired Colonel James Harper is the operation of moving troops alongside equipment while keeping security precautions intact. Security for the mission and protection of forces requires meticulous examination of every single detail.
This strategic timing becomes crucial because different countries in the region actively participate in discussions about Syria’s upcoming future. The political and security dynamics across the region stay active as Washington evaluates its available options.
Current discussions at the Pentagon remain in planning development while no decisive decisions have been established. These withdrawal plans create the potential for a substantial alteration in American military tactics in Syria which has the capability to transform regional affairs through multiple upcoming years.
