721 Pentagon Removes All Ground Troops From Iran’s Backyard As Armada Builds

19 Feb 2026The United States is withdrawing nearly a thousand troops from Syria, including from the al-Shadadi and Alton bases, as part of a broader plan to reshape Syria’s security structure and consolidate state authority. This move comes after a fragile ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), paving the way for the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army. While the withdrawal is not directly linked to the US standoff with Iran, it signifies a shift in US strategy in the region.