Narrative of the Transitional Government's Takeover of the U.S. Tanfu Base
Reference News Network reported on February 14 According to AFP on February 12, the United States confirmed that it had withdrawn its troops from the Tanf military base in southeastern Syria and handed over control of the base to the Syrian army.
The U.S. Central Command stated in a statement that the "orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Tanf base" was completed on the 11th.
The U.S. Central Command added that this withdrawal was a "condition-based, carefully considered transition."
However, U.S. Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that U.S. forces remain prepared to respond to the "Islamic State" organization and claimed that maintaining pressure "is crucial for protecting U.S. territory and enhancing security in the region."
Earlier that day, the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced in a statement that "in coordination between Syria and the United States, the Syrian army has taken control" of the base. The base is located near the border between Syria and Jordan.
The statement also noted that the Syrian army has "begun to deploy" at the tri-border area of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.
On the 11th, two Syrian military sources confirmed to AFP that all U.S. forces deployed in the Tanf area, part of the global coalition against the "Islamic State," had withdrawn.
One of the sources emphasized that the U.S. withdrawal operation had begun "15 days ago." This source added that the U.S. "will continue to coordinate from within Jordan (with the Syrian side)." (Translation/Ke Xin)
The U.S. military completed its withdrawal from the Tanf military base in Syria on February 11, 2023, handing control over to Syrian forces. This transition was coordinated between the U.S. and Syria, with U.S. Central Command emphasizing ongoing readiness to counter ISIS threats. Syrian forces have begun deploying in the border area with Iraq and Jordan.
- U.S. confirmed withdrawal from Tanf military base on February 11, 2023.
- The base was handed over to Syrian forces after coordination between the U.S. and Syria.
- U.S. Central Command stated the withdrawal was a planned transition based on conditions.
- Syrian forces have begun deployment in the border area with Iraq and Jordan.
- The withdrawal operation reportedly started 15 days prior to the official announcement.