The orderly withdrawal of US forces from Al-Tanf base has been completed, US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, announced on 12/2. CENTCOM stated this is part of a deliberate, conditions-based transition.

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, affirmed that US forces remain ready to respond to threats from the Islamic State (IS). "Maintaining pressure on IS members is necessary to protect US territory and enhance regional security", he said.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced on the same day that its units had taken over Al-Tanf base and began deploying along the nearby border.

US armored vehicles near Al-Tanf base, Syria, 6/2023. Photo: *US Army*.

Al-Tanf base, established in 2014, served as a central hub for the US-led military coalition's operations against IS. The base later became crucial in efforts to prevent Iran from expanding its regional influence, guarding a route connecting Damascus and Tehran.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were the coalition's primary partner, playing a key role in recapturing areas controlled by IS.

However, after the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's government in 12/2024, the US drew closer to Syria's new government and recently declared it no longer needed an alliance with Kurdish forces. Syria agreed to join the US-led anti-IS coalition when interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Washington in 11/2025.

The strategic Al-Tanf base, southeastern Syria. Graphic: *BBC*.

IS continues to operate in Syria, despite no longer controlling significant territory. The group is accused of orchestrating an ambush in 12/2025 in Palmyra, where a gunman killed two soldiers and one US citizen.

The US military subsequently launched retaliatory operations targeting IS objectives in Syria. CENTCOM stated it had killed or captured 50 IS members in the past two months.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)