• US forces have officially withdrawn from the strategically vital al-Tanf base in Syria.
• Control of the base has been handed over to the Syrian military amid coordination with US officials.
• The move is part of a broader US drawdown in Syria and reflects shifting regional alliances.

The US military has completed its withdrawal from the strategic al-Tanf base, which is located at the junction of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, marking a significant shift in the region’s military dynamics. Syrian government sources reported that the Syrian Arab Army has now taken control of the base, which was crucial for operations against ISIS and monitoring Iranian activities during the US presence. This transition comes after nearly a decade of US military engagement at this location, according to aa, aljazeera, middleeasteye, and scmp.

The Pentagon confirmed that US forces had concluded a “deliberate and conditions-based transition” from al-Tanf, which has been a hub for operations against ISIS since its establishment in 2014. In a statement, US Central Command emphasized the importance of remaining ready to address any emerging ISIS threats in the region, even as it shifts its focus on bases across Syria, as noted by middleeasteye and scmp.

In conjunction with the US withdrawal, the Syrian government has been working to integrate Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into its military framework, following a historic deal brokered by the US. This pivot reflects a significant recalibration of US policy in the region, as the Trump administration aims to ensure that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's regime assumes a more prominent role in maintaining order against the remnants of ISIS and Iranian influence. Reports indicate that the US was facilitating this shift as it decreased its own military footprint, according to aljazeera and scmp.

The al-Tanf base had been critical in providing a strategic advantage against Iranian supply routes and fostering cooperation with Jordan, which was also active in training forces against ISIS. However, as the situation evolves, the future effectiveness of Syrian forces in countering ISIS remains uncertain, a concern raised by experts in security and defense, including statements from analysts like David Adesnik of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, as reported by scmp and middleeasteye.