Trump’s Bombshell MIDDLE EAST Move—Pentagon Scrambles

Aerial view of the Pentagon surrounded by highways and urban areas

President Trump is finally fulfilling his promise to bring American troops home from Syria, ending a decade-long mission that outlived its original purpose and putting an end to the endless wars that have drained our resources and risked American lives.

Story Highlights

Trump orders complete withdrawal of approximately 1,000 remaining U.S. troops from Syria within two months, ending Operation Inherent Resolve
Withdrawal follows the collapse of Assad’s regime and integration of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Syria’s national army
U.S. has already vacated key bases including al-Tanf and al-Shaddadi, transferring up to 5,700 ISIS detainees to Iraq
Withdrawal remains conditions-based, allowing troops to stay if ISIS threat reemerges, prioritizing American security over nation-building

Trump Delivers on America First Promise

The Trump administration has ordered the complete withdrawal of approximately 1,000 U.S. troops from Syria within two months, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal confirmed by multiple sources. This decision marks the end of Operation Inherent Resolve, which began in 2014 to combat ISIS. U.S. officials stated the military footprint is no longer necessary following the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into Syria’s national army and the new Syrian government’s readiness to assume counterterrorism responsibilities. This move fulfills Trump’s longstanding commitment to end America’s involvement in endless Middle Eastern conflicts.

Strategic Shift Following Assad’s Collapse

The withdrawal follows dramatic changes in Syria’s political landscape after Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed in late 2024. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader who renounced al-Qaeda ties, now leads Syria’s interim government. The new Damascus leadership has demonstrated willingness to partner with the United States on counterterrorism, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Syrian officials to discuss security cooperation. Syria has joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member, signaling commitment to preventing terrorist resurgence. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack confirmed Damascus is prepared to handle security responsibilities, including management of ISIS detention facilities previously overseen by American forces.

Operational Transition Already Underway

American forces have already begun the withdrawal process, vacating strategic positions including the al-Tanf Garrison near the Jordan and Iraq borders and the al-Shaddadi base. CENTCOM has transferred ISIS fighters to Iraqi custody, with reports indicating up to 5,700 detainees moved as of mid-February 2026. The Syrian Democratic Forces, Kurdish-led fighters who partnered with the U.S. throughout the anti-ISIS campaign, have pledged integration into Syria’s national military structure. This transition addresses concerns about power vacuums while allowing the Syrian government to consolidate control over northeastern territories. U.S. officials emphasized the withdrawal is not connected to separate tensions with Iran, where American military buildup continues for different strategic purposes.

Conditions-Based Approach Protects American Interests

Unlike previous rushed withdrawals under past administrations, Trump’s Syria exit maintains flexibility to protect American security. Officials described the withdrawal as conditions-based, meaning troops could remain if ISIS shows signs of resurgence. This approach contrasts with Trump’s first-term withdrawal attempt in 2018-2019, which Defense Secretary Jim Mattis opposed, resulting in Mattis’s resignation and retention of a small force. CENTCOM has confirmed readiness to conduct counterterrorism strikes if necessary, maintaining over-the-horizon capabilities even without ground presence. The strategy reflects common-sense prioritization of American security over indefinite occupation, while 134 House Republicans have demanded assurances on sanctions policy before supporting normalization with Damascus.

Report: U.S. to Withdraw From Syria https://t.co/BphCn0SMdI

— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) February 19, 2026

This withdrawal represents a fundamental shift in U.S. Middle East policy, redirecting resources from prolonged ground deployments toward flexible counterterrorism partnerships. The decision honors the sacrifices of Americans who served in Operation Inherent Resolve while acknowledging changed conditions on the ground. By trusting Syria’s new government to manage its own security with coalition support, Trump demonstrates the America First principle that our military should defend American interests, not serve as permanent peacekeepers in foreign civil conflicts. The conditions-based framework ensures we can respond if threats reemerge, while finally bringing our troops home after more than a decade of deployment.