U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak base in northeastern Syria, according to Iraqi and Syrian officials, potentially signaling a reduction in U.S. military presence in the region.
Official reports indicate that U.S. troops and equipment are being relocated to Iraq’s Kurdish region. Witnesses in Qamishli observed a convoy of trucks transporting military vehicles and equipment toward the Iraqi border, accompanied by military helicopters.
The U.S. Central Command and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which manage the area surrounding the base, have not commented.
A senior Iraqi security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the withdrawal began Sunday, with forces and equipment crossing into northern Iraq on Monday.
A Syrian security official reported approximately 200 soldiers remained at the base Monday, as efforts were underway to dismantle systems and infrastructure.
Both officials remain unnamed due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.
Earlier, U.S. troops vacated the al-Tanf base near the Jordanian border, following an announcement by CENTCOM and Syria’s defense ministry.
This troop movement follows the transfer of about 5,700 individuals accused of Islamic State affiliation from Syria to Iraq for trial. The U.S. has aimed to prevent Islamic State resurgence since they lost Syrian territories in 2019.
This decision occurs amid recent clashes between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, during which detainees escaped, and families reportedly left al Hol camp.
Remaining camp residents have been relocated or repatriated.
