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Snapshot 6:Fri, Feb 13, 2026 8:37:47 PM GMT last edited by Nick

US Withdraws From al-Tanf Base, Hands Control to Syria

U.S.US Withdraws fromFrom al-Tanf Base, Hands Control to Syria

Is the al-Tanf withdrawal a strategic transition to Syrian control or a dangerous abandonment of vital Middle East leverage?
US Withdraws From al-Tanf Base, Hands Control to Syria
Above: U.S. forces patrol oil fields near Syria's northeastern border with Turkey on Sept. 3, 2024. Image credit: Delil Soulleiman/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

The U.S. withdrawal from al-Tanf marks a successful strategic transition after a decade of coalition presence, with Syrian forces now securing the tri-border region as part of coordinated efforts between Damascus and Washington. The handover reflects Syria's integration into the anti-ISISIS coalition and demonstrates progress toward national unity following the end of Assad's regime.

Abandoning al-Tanf exposes a dangerous contradiction — handing over one of the most strategically vital bases in the Middle East to a government led by a former al-Qaeda commander while simultaneously evacuating 5,000 ISISIS prisoners because Damascus can't be trusted to guard them. This hasty withdrawal squanders critical leverage and signals unreliability to regional partners.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 60% chance that IS will return to Syria before 2031, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0