The Defense Department is drafting plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, influenced by President Trump’s comments. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is engaging with military leaders on regional strategies. Concerns arise regarding the impact of withdrawal on local forces and ISIS detainee security. Previous attempts to withdraw troops have resulted in conflicts at the policy level, highlighting the complexities of U.S. military engagement in Syria.
The U.S. Defense Department is preparing plans to withdraw all troops from Syria following President Trump’s recent comments expressing a desire to end involvement in the region. According to two defense officials, the Pentagon is drafting withdrawal strategies that would enable a full troop exit in 30, 60, or 90 days.
Mike Waltz, the newly appointed national security adviser, engaged with military leaders at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida, to discuss the state of U.S. operations in the Middle East. However, a White House official clarified that the issue of troop withdrawal did not arise during Waltz’s visit.
When asked about reports of informing Israel about the withdrawal, Trump stated, “I don’t know who said that … We’re not involved in Syria … They got enough messes over there.” This reiterates his ongoing skepticism regarding U.S. engagement in the Syrian conflict.
Trump had previously announced a troop withdrawal plan in late 2019, which faced internal opposition from then-Defense Secretary James Mattis. Although some troops were withdrawn, U.S. military presence in Syria has remained consistent, with approximately 2,000 troops reported in the area.
The Pentagon asserts that the mission in Syria focuses on weakening ISIS and supporting local forces like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition helping contain ISIS remnants. Concerns are raised that withdrawing U.S. support may risk these groups’ ability to maintain security in prisons housing thousands of ISIS detainees.
Recent developments include CENTCOM strikes targeting Al Qaeda affiliates in northwest Syria. Defense officials warn that a troop withdrawal could destabilize areas secured by the SDF, allowing potential ISIS resurgence due to their reliance on U.S. backing.
In December, there was a significant change in the Syrian landscape when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Assad’s regime, leading to engagement with U.S. officials. HTS pledged to initiate a political transition, emphasizing the need for an inclusive government and elections in the coming years. This situation illustrates the complex dynamics of U.S. involvement and regional governance in Syria.
The U.S. military mission in Syria has primarily aimed to combat ISIS and support local forces like the Kurdish-led SDF, which has been pivotal in maintaining security. The potential withdrawal of U.S. troops has sparked debate regarding the implications for regional stability, particularly concerning ISIS influences and the security of detention facilities. Previous withdrawals led to significant shifts, affecting U.S. foreign policy and relations with local groups. Moreover, Trump’s candidacy for withdrawing troops reflects ongoing discussions about America’s role in foreign conflicts and the strategic calculations underpinning military engagements abroad.
In summary, the potential full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria raises critical questions about the implications for local forces combating ISIS, the stability of detention facilities for ISIS fighters, and the broader impact on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The current strategic assessments and dialogues reflect ongoing tensions and considerations surrounding military involvement in complex regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
