Recent developments in northeastern Syria illustrate a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics, marked by the Syrian Arab Army’s reclamation of the al-Shaddadi military base following the withdrawal of U.S. troops. This transformation not only aligns with a broader ceasefire agreement involving Kurdish-led forces but also reflects a recalibration of U.S. military strategy towards a more direct partnership with the Syrian government. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this transition offers hope for stability in a region long marred by conflict.
The Syrian army has successfully taken control of the al-Shaddadi military base located in the northeastern part of the country, a move that follows the withdrawal of United States troops in accordance with a ceasefire arrangement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Syrian Ministry of Defence announced on February 15, 2026, that “forces of the Syrian Arab Army have taken over the al-Shaddadi military base in the Hasakah countryside, following coordination with the American side.”
U.S. forces have maintained a presence at al-Shaddadi since 2016, after the area was liberated from ISIS militants by Kurdish-led forces. Additionally, the Syrian army took control of the U.S. base at al-Tanf, situated near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, on the same day. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the implementation of the ceasefire agreement is progressing positively. “There have been days that were concerning, but we are optimistic about the trajectory,” he noted, emphasizing the need for successful implementation and mentioning discussions with other communities in the region, such as the Druze, Bedouin, and Alawite populations. He referred to the current situation as preferable to a fractured Syria riddled with conflict and mass migrations.
Reports from Aleppo indicate that local residents near al-Shaddadi have been hearing explosions and witnessing fires at the base, as American troops pursue the destruction of remaining material in anticipation of their exit. According to analysts, these changes represent a pivotal shift in U.S. strategy towards a model of direct partnership with the Syrian government, aligning interests for stability in the region.
U.S. military presence in Syria has been on a decline, dropping from 1,500 personnel in July 2025 to approximately 900 currently. The U.S. is consolidating its military operations in Tower 22 in Jordan while continuing air strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed that it had conducted ten air strikes targeting thirty locations between February 3 and February 12, leading to the death or capture of more than fifty individuals in a two-month span. CENTCOM’s commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, stated that U.S. forces would remain ready to address any potential threats from ISIS that may arise.
These developments signal not only a potential shift in military and political cooperation in the region but also lay the groundwork for a more stable and harmonious future for the communities involved. #PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews