Reducing US Military Presence in Syria: Motivations and Strategic Consequences
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 18, 2025, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced a review of the deployment of its military forces in Syria codenamed “Operation Inherent Resolve”. This plan, designed in line with Donald Trump’s policies to reduce US military presence in the Middle East, will reduce the number of US troops from 10,000 to 1,000 within two months. Although this measure was announced under the pretext of success in weakening ISIS, it is part of a broader US strategy to redefine its mission in the region. However, numerous political and security complexities accompany this decision, the consequences of which will be significant for Syria, the entire region, and even the international system.