Damascus – Web Desk: Syria’s Ministry of Defence said the Syrian Arab Army has taken control of the Al-Shaddadi military base in the country’s northeast from US forces, marking a significant shift in the regional security landscape.
In a statement, the ministry said the transfer of control was carried out after coordination and communication with US officials. The base is located in the northeastern province of Hasakah, where US troops had been deployed as part of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).
The development follows the recent withdrawal of US forces from the Al-Tanf base near the Syria-Jordan-Iraq border, a move confirmed by Washington earlier this month.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key US-backed partner, played a major role in the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019. However, Washington has recently sought to improve relations with Syria’s new authorities following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad from power in December 2024.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out more than 30 strikes on ISIS targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, targeting infrastructure and weapons storage facilities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was satisfied with current developments but warned that implementing agreements with Kurdish groups and other factions would be challenging. He stressed the need for political reconciliation in Syria’s diverse society, including Druze, Bedouin and Alawite communities.
Analysts say the handover of US military facilities could signal a broader shift in US policy and regional power dynamics, with potential implications for counter-terrorism operations and stability in northeastern Syria.
