Pentagon drafting plans for full US troop withdrawal from Syria: NBC
US forces patrol in Syria's northeastern city Qamishli, in the al-Hasakah province, on January 9, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The U.S. Department of Defense is preparing plans for a full withdrawal of American troops from Syria, following recent comments by former President Donald Trump and officials close to him, according to two U.S. defense officials speaking exclusively to the NBC News.
Withdrawal plans considered for 30, 60, or 90 days
The Pentagon is drafting withdrawal scenarios that would see the departure of all U.S. forces from Syria within 30, 60, or 90 days, sources told NBC News on Tuesday.
The move follows Trump’s expressed interest in pulling U.S. troops from the country, a position that has sparked renewed discussion within defense and security circles.
Despite these reports, a Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment, leaving uncertainty over whether an official decision has been made.
National Security Adviser meets military officials
Newly appointed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz visited the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Tampa, Florida on Friday, where he received briefings on the Middle East from senior U.S. military officials.
A White House official denied that Syria troop withdrawals were part of Waltz’s visit, stating that his trip was meant to provide a broad regional overview.
The official also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington on Tuesday, with Jordan’s King Abdullah scheduled to visit next week.
Trump’s stance on US presence in Syria
During an Oval Office media event on Jan. 30, Trump was asked about reports that he had informed Israeli officials of his intention to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.
“I don’t know who said that. I mean, I don’t know who said that, but we’ll make a determination on that,” Trump responded. “We’re not getting involved in Syria. Syria is its own mess. They got enough messes over there. They don’t need us involved in everyone.”
In late 2019, Trump ordered Defense Secretary James Mattis to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria. Mattis pushed back against the plan and ultimately resigned in protest.
Current US military presence in Syria
A Pentagon report in December 2024 revealed that the U.S. currently has around 2,000 troops in Syria, approximately 1,100 more than previously disclosed.
The U.S. military’s role in Syria has been reportedly primarily focused on supporting terrorist organization PKK/YPG under the alleged fight against Daesh and maintaining a presence in eastern Syria.
If the Pentagon proceeds with withdrawal plans, it would mark a major shift in U.S. policy in the region.
