Syria gains control of all bases previously occupied by US forces

Syria has regained full control of all military bases once held by US forces, completing a major handover in the northeast. The move integrates Kurdish-led fighters into the national army and marks a key step in restoring Damascus authority across previously contested territories.

Syria has officially assumed authority over all military installations that were previously occupied by United States forces, signaling the completion of a carefully planned transfer process. Damascus emphasizes that this development demonstrates the successful integration of Kurdish-led fighters into the Syrian national military structure.

The final departure of American personnel and vehicles occurred in the Qasrak region of northeastern Hasakah, marking the end of a presence that had begun in 2014. The withdrawal represents the conclusion of the United States’ military involvement in Syria after nearly a decade of operations aimed at countering ISIL.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Damascus with the senior commanders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including military leader Mazloum Abdi and political representative Ilham Ahmad. According to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, the handover of these bases is a significant development, re-establishing Damascus’ control over territories in the northeast and along border regions that had previously been outside central government authority.

The transition occurred with tacit approval from Washington, reflecting a coordinated effort between Syrian authorities and US advisors. The process included strategic locations across the northeast and border areas, all now under Syrian government supervision. This transfer follows a January agreement between Damascus and the SDF, which had previously administered these regions with indirect US support.

The March agreement further solidified Damascus’ regained authority following localized clashes between government forces and the SDF. The withdrawal of American forces was carried out overland via Jordan rather than Iraq to reduce the risk of attacks from Iranian-backed armed groups active in the region.

Following the handover, Syrian forces have secured key cities, border crossings, and civilian institutions in Hasakah and Qamishli. This consolidation of authority marks a significant step in Syria’s ongoing efforts to reunify the country after years of fragmentation caused by civil conflict.

The integration of Kurdish-led fighters into the Syrian national army is central to these efforts, providing a pathway for previously autonomous forces to participate in the centralized military structure. This process reflects a broader realignment of political and military dynamics in the region as the campaign against ISIL concludes.

The withdrawal of US forces and the return of full control to Damascus underscores Syria’s renewed ability to manage its northern and eastern territories. It also illustrates an evolving cooperation framework with the United States, which had previously supported Kurdish forces in these areas. The handover represents both a strategic shift and a step toward stabilizing governance across regions that were previously fragmented.

As Syrian government forces consolidate their position, the nation has regained authority over territories that were long under the de facto control of the SDF. The careful orchestration of the transfer highlights the focus on minimizing conflict while reinforcing state control. These developments mark a decisive moment in Syria’s post-ISIL reconstruction and centralization efforts.

The handover of former US military sites completes a long-term transition that began with American intervention in 2014. The integration of Kurdish fighters and the re-establishment of central government control underscore Syria’s efforts to rebuild cohesive national governance and reinforce its sovereignty over previously contested areas.

This transfer also redefines Syria’s relationship with international partners, emphasizing practical cooperation and strategic coordination. The consolidation of military bases, urban centers, and border regions under Damascus’ authority reflects a comprehensive approach to restoring national control and shaping future political dynamics in the northeast.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera
• Reuters
• BBC News
• Syria takes control of all bases where US forces were deployed