Summary
The Syrian army has taken control of the al-Shaddadi military base after U.S. troops withdrew as part of a ceasefire agreement. The U.S. has been reducing its military presence in Syria and shifting its strategy toward cooperating directly with the Syrian government. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed optimism about the ceasefire's progress and stressed the importance of implementing agreements with various Syrian communities.
Key Facts
- The Syrian army took over the al-Shaddadi base in northeastern Syria after U.S. troops left.
- This action is part of a ceasefire arrangement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
- The U.S. operated in al-Shaddadi since 2016, initially taking control from ISIL.
- Syria's Ministry of Defence coordinated the takeover with the U.S.
- The Syrian army also gained control of the al-Tanf base, near Iraq and Jordan.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ceasefire agreement is progressing in a positive direction.
- The U.S. has reduced its military presence in Syria from 1,500 personnel in July to about 900.
- U.S. forces continue air strikes on ISIL targets, conducting 10 strikes on 30 targets in early February.
