U.S. Weighs Full Troop Withdrawal From Syria as Kurdish Ally Collapses

Key Facts

Published: January 22, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wall Street Journal

• Washington is actively weighing a full U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria, potentially ending a decade-long American military presence.
• The move follows the near-collapse of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces after a rapid offensive by Syrian government forces.
• U.S. officials say if the SDF fully disbands, there is little strategic justification for keeping American troops in the country.
• About 1,000 U.S. troops remain, mostly in northeast Syria, with a smaller presence at Al Tanf near the Jordanian border.

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Washington is considering a complete withdrawal of American troops from Syria following the rapid collapse of the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led militia in the country’s northeast, according to U.S. officials, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive.

The potential pullout would end a decade-long U.S. military mission that began in 2014 under former President Barack Obama to combat ISIS. It comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa moved to consolidate control over territory previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, ordering the group to disband after a swift government-backed offensive.

Roughly 1,000 U.S. troops remain in Syria, primarily in the northeast alongside the SDF, with a smaller contingent at the Al Tanf garrison in the south. Their core mission has been preventing an ISIS resurgence and overseeing detention facilities holding thousands of ISIS fighters.

Pentagon officials are now questioning the viability of that mission after Syrian forces seized key bases, oil facilities, and border crossings, forcing the SDF to relinquish major cities including Raqqa and Deir Ezzour. U.S. officials told the Journal that if the SDF fully disbands, there would be little justification for continued American presence.

Concerns also center on the composition of Sharaa’s forces, which U.S. officials say include jihadist sympathizers and individuals with alleged ties to al Qaeda and ISIS. Tensions have already escalated, with U.S. forces reportedly shooting down a Syrian government drone near an American position during recent clashes.

Another factor accelerating withdrawal discussions is the fate of ISIS detainees. The U.S. has begun transferring thousands of prisoners to Iraq, reducing one of the main reasons for keeping troops in Syria, analysts told the Journal.

President Donald Trump, who previously ordered a near-withdrawal in 2018, has publicly praised Sharaa’s efforts while reiterating U.S. support for the Kurds, noting their partnership with Washington was also driven by their own interests.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the report, and the White House did not immediately respond.

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