U.S. Forces Complete Withdrawal from Qasrak Base in Hassakeh as Handover to Syrian Army Nears

US forces fully evacuated the Qasrak base in the countryside of Hassakeh on Thursday, in a step that prepares the facility for transfer to the Syrian Army. The move marks another stage in Washington’s ongoing military withdrawal from Syria.

Local networks close to the Syrian Democratic Forces reported the departure, while social media accounts circulated footage showing convoys and vehicles belonging to US forces and the International Coalition leaving the site. Available information indicates that the departing units are heading toward Damascus as a transit point before continuing toward Jordan.

Developments Surrounding the Withdrawal

Recent days witnessed a notable acceleration in logistical activity. Equipment and machinery were removed at an intensified pace, and images shared today showed smoke rising from inside the base. The scenes prompted speculation that certain headquarters and equipment were destroyed before the handover to prevent their capture.

This step forms part of Washington’s plan to withdraw its estimated 1,000 troops, bringing to a close a military presence that has lasted nearly ten years. Several bases in northeastern Syria have already been vacated in the past two months, with equipment transferred to Iraq.

Shifts in Control on the Ground

The departure from Qasrak follows similar withdrawals from Al-Shaddadi and Al-Tanf, where the Syrian Army has since taken control and begun deploying in the surrounding areas.

Observers note that these movements unfold within a broader landscape of political and field understandings between Washington and Damascus. They also coincide with the diminishing role of the SDF after recent confrontations with the Syrian Army, developments that reportedly prompted Washington to reassess the value of maintaining a military footprint in the region.

Security Considerations

The Qasrak base had recently come under drone attacks originating from Iraqi territory. In response, Syrian forces reinforced their presence along the border to prevent potential breaches and secure the area during the transition.

Current estimates suggest that the full withdrawal may require approximately two months, though the timeline remains sensitive to developments on the ground. According to The Wall Street Journal, a resurgence in ISIS activity could influence Washington’s calculations and potentially alter the pace or scope of the withdrawal.

 

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.

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