Syria, US-led coalition discuss al-Tanf base handover after US withdrawal
Syria's defense minister and the commander of the anti-Daesh coalition have held talks on security arrangements for the strategic al-Tanf garrison following the complete withdrawal of American forces. The base, located at the tri-border area with Iraq and Jordan, has been transferred to Syrian Army control.
Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra discussed the handover mechanism and future security protocols with Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve. According to a Syrian Defense Ministry statement, both sides emphasized "continued coordination and strengthening frameworks for cooperation" to ensure stability in the surrounding region.
US confirms withdrawal after decade-long presence
The US military officially confirmed Thursday that its troops had withdrawn from al-Tanf on February 11, describing the move as a "deliberate and conditions-based transition." US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper stated that American forces "remain poised to respond to any Daesh threats" while supporting partner-led counter-terrorism efforts. The withdrawal marks the end of nearly ten years of US presence at the strategic outpost, which was expanded in 2017 and 2018.
Strategic significance and regional security
Al-Tanf sits at a critical crossroads near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders, previously used by US forces to monitor the activities of Iran-backed groups and Daesh militants across hundreds of kilometers. American personnel have reportedly relocated to Tower 22, a base located inside Jordan near the demilitarized zone, approximately 22 kilometers from al-Tanf. The handover represents a significant shift in the military landscape of southern Syria.
Implications for Syrian sovereignty and counter-terrorism
The return of the al-Tanf garrison to Syrian government control marks an important step toward full Syrian sovereignty over its territory. Both sides stressed the importance of continued dialogue to maintain security and prevent any resurgence of Daesh in the region. For neighboring countries including Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for Syria's territorial integrity and the elimination of terrorist elements, these developments signal a potential reconfiguration of regional security dynamics requiring close observation.
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