US to reduce troop presence in Syrian Kurdistan, say US officials

WASHINGTON,— The U.S. military is preparing to consolidate its forces in Syria in the coming weeks, a move that could cut troop numbers in half, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters.

Approximately 2,000 American service members are currently stationed at various military posts throughout Syria, primarily in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), the northeastern region controlled by the Kurdish-led autonomous administration.

These troops work closely with local partners to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, which previously controlled extensive territory in Syria and Iraq before being driven back.

One of the officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the restructuring could leave around 1,000 U.S. troops in the country.

A second official confirmed discussions of a reduction but noted no final decision on the size of the drawdown has been made.

This official expressed doubt that such a significant reduction would occur, citing ongoing tensions with Iran and recent increases in U.S. military deployments in the Middle East.

In recent weeks, the U.S. has sent additional assets to the region, including B-2 bombers, naval vessels, and air defense systems.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Monday that Iran is stalling negotiations over its nuclear program and warned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, hinting at potential military consequences.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is currently conducting a global review of U.S. force deployments as part of a broader strategy reassessment.

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria’s new Islamist-led government has been working to reestablish diplomatic ties both regionally and internationally.

Last month, the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led militia supported by the U.S., signed an agreement with Islamist rulers in Damascus to integrate their governance and security structures with those of the central government.

In March, Washington issued a list of conditions to the Syrian leadership in exchange for partial sanctions relief.

However, officials say direct engagement with Syria’s new rulers remains limited. Some within the administration argue for a tougher approach, citing the new leadership’s past links to Al-Qaeda.

(With files from Reuters)