Damascus, April 16, 2026 Syria has officially assumed control of all military bases previously used by United States forces, following the complete withdrawal of American troops from the country.

The transition concluded with the departure of the final US convoy fromQasrak Air Base, located in the northeasternHasakah Governorate. The move brings an end to a military presence that began in 2014 during operations againstISIL.

US forces had been working alongside Kurdish-led fighters who later formed theSyrian Democratic Forces, playing a central role in the fight against the militant group.

Syrian officials described the handover as a major step toward restoring full state authority, particularly in northeastern regions that had long remained outside central government control.

PresidentAhmed al-Sharaaheld key meetings in Damascus with senior SDF leadership, including commanderMazloum Abdiand political leaderIlham Ahmad, as part of ongoing efforts to integrate Kurdish forces into national institutions.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that the transfer was conducted in coordination with the United States, reflecting a more constructive phase in bilateral engagement.

Meanwhile, US Central Command confirmed that all major bases have been handed over under a conditions-based transition, signaling the end of a significant chapter in US military involvement in Syria.