Syria takes control of all former U.S. military bases on its territory
April 16, 2026
Syria has confirmed it has taken control of all former U.S. military bases in the region after forces began withdrawing in February
The Syrian government has taken control of all military bases previously occupied by United States forces, culminating in the handover of the Qasrak air base in the country's northeast. The event marks the end of a significant, decade-long American military presence in Syria that was focused on combating the Islamic State (ISIS). Syrian army units entered the Qasrak base on Thursday after the final convoy of U.S. military vehicles and equipment departed, with some seen heading towards the Iraqi border. Both the Syrian government and the U.S. Central Command have confirmed the completion of the handover process, which they described as a deliberate and coordinated transition.
The American military intervention in Syria, which began in 2014 under the banner of Operation Inherent Resolve, was aimed at defeating ISIS. At its peak, the U.S. had thousands of troops in the country who worked closely with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This partnership was instrumental in dismantling the ISIS caliphate, which lost its last territorial stronghold in March 2019. The complete withdrawal of U.S. forces follows the dramatic shift in Syria's political landscape after a rebel offensive led by Ahmad Al Shara ousted the regime of Bashar Al Assad in December 2024. Washington has backed the new government under President Al Shara.
A key factor enabling the U.S. departure has been a comprehensive agreement forged between the new Syrian government and the SDF. Following clashes in January 2026, the two sides agreed to a phased integration of the SDF's military and administrative bodies into Syrian state institutions. This integration process is ongoing, with Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara meeting SDF commander Mazloum Abdi on the day of the final base handover to discuss its completion. The deal represents a major step towards unifying the country under the central government after years of division.
The withdrawal process was executed over several months, beginning in February 2026 with the handover of key installations such as the Al Tanf and Shaddadi bases. U.S. officials stated the turnover of all major bases was a "deliberate and conditions-based transition". The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the move, stating that the circumstances that necessitated an American military presence have fundamentally changed and that the Syrian state is now fully capable of leading counterterrorism efforts in cooperation with the international community.
With the departure of American forces, the Syrian government assumes full responsibility for securing its territory, including managing the threat from remaining ISIS sleeper cells. Damascus has vowed to continue the fight against terrorism, and recently announced the arrest of an alleged ISIS cell near Aleppo. While U.S. forces have left Syrian soil, U.S. Central Command has indicated it will continue to support partner-led counter-terrorism efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and promote regional security. The focus now shifts to the new Syrian government's ability to maintain stability and prevent a resurgence of extremist groups.
Source: express