U.S. TO WITHDRAW ALL TROOPS FROM SYRIA, ENDING DECADE-LONG MILITARY PRESENCE

The United States is reportedly preparing to withdraw all remaining American troops from Syria, marking a major shift in U.S. foreign policy and potentially ending more than a decade of direct military involvement in the country.According to multiple U.S. media reports on February 18, 2026, approximately 1,000 American troops currently stationed in Syria will be pulled out over the next two months. Some troop movements have already begun, with U.S. forces vacating key positions as part of what officials described as a “deliberate and conditions-based transition.”BackgroundThe U.S. military entered Syria in 2014 as part of the international coalition fighting the extremist group ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve. American forces worked closely with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria to dismantle ISIS territorial control.Over the years, troop levels fluctuated as ISIS lost ground, but a residual U.S. presence remained to prevent a resurgence and to stabilize formerly contested areas.What This MeansIf fully implemented, the withdrawal would:End the U.S. ground military mission in SyriaShift security responsibility to local forces and the Syrian governmentReshape regional dynamics involving Turkey, Iran, and RussiaRaise concerns about potential ISIS regroupingU.S. officials have indicated that while ground troops may leave, America could still maintain the capability to respond to threats in the region through air power or regional deployments.The move comes amid broader reassessments of U.S. military commitments overseas and evolving geopolitical priorities in the Middle East.More details are expected in the coming days as the Pentagon finalizes timelines and operational steps.