US to scale back military presence to single base, supports foreign fighter integration into new Syrian Army

ANKARA — The United States announced a significant policy shift in Syria, marking a turning point in its approach to the country. US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack stated plans to drastically reduce America’s military presence while supporting a Syrian initiative to integrate thousands of foreign fighters into the country’s armed forces. 

Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV, Barrack confirmed that the US military will cut back its operations in Syria to a single base, down from the eight it currently maintains. The withdrawal aligns with recent troop reductions, as 500 soldiers have already departed, leaving 1,500 personnel in the country. “Our current policies toward Syria will not resemble the policies of the past 100 years, because those policies did not work,” Barrack stated, emphasizing a shift from direct involvement to a support role. 

Barrack also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, suggesting that neighboring countries must contribute to Syria’s long-term stability. “It’s a matter of integration with everyone being reasonable,” he remarked, underscoring the US’s intent to promote dialogue and collaboration in the region. 

As part of its evolving strategy, the US has endorsed a Syrian Defense Ministry plan to incorporate approximately 3,500 foreign fighters, primarily Uyghur Chinese nationals and individuals from neighboring countries, into the newly formed 84th Division of the Syrian Army. This division will integrate foreign combatants alongside Syrian soldiers, creating a unified military structure aimed at enhancing national stability. 

Barrack praised the initiative as a step toward consolidating peace and managing the complex legacy of the 14-year Syrian Civil War, which ended in December 2024 with the defeat of the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad. The conflict saw the rise and fall of various factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that played a pivotal role in Assad’s removal. However, the status of foreign fighters who previously allied with HTS has remained a contentious issue in Syria’s relations with Western nations. 

The ambassador emphasized that the integration plan’s success depends on a transparent implementation process and cautioned against sidelining these individuals, many of whom he described as “deeply loyal” to Syria’s new administration under President Ahmad al-Sharaa. “This is about creating stability through structured reintegration, not marginalization,” Barrack noted. 

The US has further signaled its commitment to Syria’s post-war reconstruction by lifting all sanctions and removing the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. President Trump characterized these measures as part of a broader effort to give Syria “a chance at greatness.” 

This recalibration of American policy comes amid renewed efforts to stabilize Syria’s volatile southern border, where recent Israeli attacks have exacerbated tensions. Barrack reiterated America’s support for dialogue between Syria and Israel, expressing hope for a negotiated resolution.