U.S. To Withdraw All Troops From Syria, Ending Decade-Long Mission

Key Facts

Published: February 18, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wall Street Journal

• The U.S. will withdraw all roughly 1,000 troops from Syria within two months, ending a decade-long military presence that began in 2015 to combat Islamic State.
• The decision follows the collapse of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the consolidation of power by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, shifting responsibility for counterterrorism efforts to Damascus amid concerns about a potential ISIS resurgence.

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

(Worthy News) – The United States is withdrawing all of its roughly 1,000 troops from Syria, ending a decade-long military campaign against the Islamic State, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive citing American officials.

The withdrawal, already underway, includes the closure of U.S. outposts in northeastern Syria and along the borders with Jordan and Iraq. Officials said the remaining forces will depart within two months in what they described as a “conditions-based” process — leaving open the possibility of reassessment if Islamic State regains strength.

The decision follows the near-total collapse of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Washington’s primary partner in the anti-ISIS fight. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently consolidated control over former Kurdish-held territory after overthrowing Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Damascus and the SDF reached a fragile U.S.-backed cease-fire earlier this year, with Kurdish forces agreeing to integrate into the Syrian army.

Some U.S. and foreign officials warn the departure could create space for an Islamic State resurgence or allow Damascus to break its cease-fire commitments. Others say the remaining American presence had become more symbolic than strategically decisive.

Officials stressed the Syria pullout is unrelated to the U.S. military buildup near Iran amid stalled nuclear talks. President Donald Trump’s administration is instead pivoting toward expanding diplomatic engagement with Damascus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability.

The U.S. first intervened against Islamic State in 2014 and stationed troops in Syria in 2015 to advise local forces. With the final withdrawal now underway, responsibility for preventing a jihadist resurgence shifts primarily to Syria’s newly consolidated government.

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