US withdrawal from Al-Tanf base marks a significant shift in Washington’s military posture in southern Syria, after two Syrian military sources confirmed to AFP that American forces left the strategic base and moved into Jordan.
The base, located near the tri-border area between Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, had long served as a key site for operations conducted under the US-led international coalition against ISIS.
The United States has maintained forces in Syria and Iraq since 2014 as part of the coalition formed after ISIS seized large territories in both countries. The group was later defeated territorially in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019.
Details of the US Withdrawal from Al-Tanf Base
A Syrian military source told AFP that “US forces have fully withdrawn from Al-Tanf base toward Al-Burj base in Jordan,” adding that the withdrawal process began around 15 days ago.
A second military source confirmed the development, stating that US forces would continue “coordination related to Al-Tanf” from Jordanian territory.
Sources in Homs province told the German Press Agency that American troops redeployed toward what is known as “Tower 22” base in the border triangle area.
Syrian authorities said security forces have deployed in the area and that the Ministry of Defense sent reinforcements to “fill the vacuum” following the American departure.
Strategic Importance of Al-Tanf Base
Al-Tanf base has been one of the most prominent US military positions in Syria over the past years. Its geographic location near key border crossings made it strategically significant for several reasons:
Monitoring supply routes between Syria and Iraq.
Supporting operations against ISIS cells in the Syrian desert.
Coordinating with local armed groups, including the US-backed Free Syrian Army faction operating nearby.
The base lies within a 55-kilometer security zone. The Rukban camp, which houses displaced Syrians from Homs, Hama, and rural Damascus, is also located close to the site.
Before the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, 2024, the base was targeted multiple times by drone attacks. Iraqi factions had claimed responsibility for some of those attacks.
Broader Context of Coalition Redeployment
The US withdrawal from Al-Tanf base comes while coalition forces led by Washington remain present in northeast Syria.
That region was previously under the control of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration, whose forces played a central role in fighting ISIS. However, in January, Kurdish forces lost control of areas in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa following intense clashes with government forces.
An agreement was later reached providing for the gradual integration of military and administrative structures in Hasakah province. Under that deal, Syrian security forces entered cities previously controlled by Kurdish forces.
In November 2025, the international coalition announced Syria’s accession to its ranks, following the 2024 fall of Assad and amid US support for transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country after years of conflict.
Continued Operations Against ISIS
Syrian authorities continue to announce security operations targeting ISIS cells. Notable recent developments include:
A January 13 operation near Palmyra, one day after three Americans, two soldiers and a translator, were killed in an attack attributed by Damascus and Washington to ISIS.
A January 20 statement by US Central Command, CENTCOM, announcing strikes on more than 70 targets across central Syria, one week after the Palmyra attack.
These developments indicate that anti-ISIS operations remain ongoing despite changes in US troop positioning.
Conclusion:
The US withdrawal from Al-Tanf base represents a notable military shift in southern Syria and may signal a broader redeployment strategy by the international coalition. Its long-term impact will depend on continued coordination, the security situation in the Syrian desert, and efforts to prevent a resurgence of ISIS activity.
