United States to Cut Troop Numbers in Syria to Below 1,000 Amid Strategic Shift

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to reduce its military presence in Syria, lowering the number of American troops to under 1,000 in the coming months. The decision marks a significant step in the ongoing reassessment of U.S. engagement in the Middle East.

According to a statement from the Pentagon, the troop reduction will take place through a “deliberate and conditions-based” process. The goal is to consolidate U.S. forces into select locations while maintaining the ability to conduct targeted operations against the remaining elements of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the region.

“This realignment reflects our commitment to strategic efficiency without compromising our ability to neutralize terrorist threats,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.

Ongoing Fight Against ISIS

Although ISIS no longer controls large territories, the group continues to pose a threat through sporadic attacks and sleeper cells. U.S. officials confirmed that the military’s counterterrorism capabilities in Syria will remain intact.

“CENTCOM will continue to carry out precision strikes and intelligence-based operations to prevent an ISIS resurgence,” the Pentagon added.

American forces have been operating in Syria since 2015 as part of a multinational coalition aimed at eradicating the extremist group, which once held territory across both Syria and Iraq.

Trump Reinforces Isolationist Approach

Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision, reiterating his stance against long-term military interventions abroad.

“Syria is not our problem. The United States should not be dragged into conflicts that do not serve our national interest,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

During his presidency, Trump ordered a significant troop withdrawal from Syria, although some forces remained to support anti-ISIS efforts and safeguard key strategic interests.

Strategic Rebalancing

The troop reduction is part of a broader recalibration of U.S. military strategy, as Washington seeks to prioritize emerging global threats and reduce its footprint in prolonged conflict zones.

Defense officials have reassured allies that despite the drawdown, the U.S. remains committed to regional security and counterterrorism cooperation.