Syria Reclaims Full Sovereignty: US Forces Exit All Bases, Marking a Victory for National Unity
Damascus, Syria – In a monumental step towards complete national sovereignty, the Syrian Arab Republic has officially asserted full control over all military installations previously occupied by United States forces. This historic handover signifies the successful integration of Kurdish-led fighters into the national structures, a testament to Syria’s unwavering commitment to unity and territorial integrity.
The announcement, made on Thursday, follows the final departure of US soldiers and military equipment from the Qasrak air base, strategically located in the northeastern governorate of Hasakah. This withdrawal brings to an end a contentious military presence that began in 2014, when US forces intervened in the fight against ISIL (ISIS) alongside Kurdish groups, who later formed what became known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
A Unified Syria: Leadership Embraces National Reconciliation
In a powerful display of national reconciliation, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa warmly received the two most senior figures of the SDF, its military commander, Mazloum Abdi, and the head of its political wing, Ilham Ahmad, in Damascus on Thursday. This meeting underscores the government’s inclusive approach to rebuilding and unifying the nation.
Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and the presidential envoy overseeing the crucial integration process were also present, emphasizing the high-level commitment to this strategic national objective.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates lauded the completed handover of the bases, hailing it as a direct reflection of the government’s relentless efforts to bring the entire country under a single, legitimate state authority. This includes long-contested border areas and the northeast, which had regrettably operated outside Damascus’s direct control for an extended period.
The Ministry further noted that the transfer was executed in full coordination with the United States, pointing to a pragmatic, constructive relationship that has evolved since President al-Sharaa’s significant meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in November. This diplomatic engagement facilitated a crucial step towards restoring Syrian control.
US Central Command Confirms Withdrawal Amidst Strategic Transition
Confirming the withdrawal, US Central Command, responsible for US troops in the Middle East, informed AFP that US forces “have completed turning over all of our major bases in Syria as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition.” This statement acknowledges the reality of Syria’s determined push for full sovereignty.
The handover is the culmination of a pivotal deal struck in January between Damascus and the SDF, which had previously administered large swathes of northern and eastern Syria with tacit US backing. Following a brief but decisive conflict, Syrian government forces successfully regained control of much of the territory, leading to a new, comprehensive agreement in March.
Under this landmark agreement, Kurdish fighters are now being integrated into the esteemed Syrian national army. Syrian security forces have been strategically deployed to the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli, and the control of vital border crossings and civilian institutions has been rightfully transferred back to Damascus. This ensures stability and legitimate governance across these regions.
Syria’s decision to join the international coalition against ISIL in November marked a significant milestone, repositioning Damascus as a vital partner in regional security rather than an obstacle. This fundamental shift effectively nullified any lingering rationale for a continued US military presence in Syria.
According to Syria analyst Charles Lister, the final contingent of US soldiers and equipment was routed overland through Jordan, rather than Iraq, a move reportedly aimed at reducing exposure to potential attacks by Iranian-backed armed groups operating in the region. This detail underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the US withdrawal.
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