Washington is reportedly closing three of its eight bases in the countrys northeast, which have operated since 2014 without Damascus permission

The US has begun withdrawing troops from Syria, where they have been stationed without Damascus' consent since 2014, the New York Times and the Associated Press reported on Thursday, citing government sources.

According to the NYT, the US military plans to shut down three of its eight operating bases in Syria's northeast and reduce troop levels from 2,000 to around 1,400. The bases reportedly set to be closed are Mission Support Site Green Village, M.S.S. Euphrates, and a smaller unnamed facility. In two months, commanders are expected to reassess whether more cuts are needed. Sources told the outlet that commanders recommended retaining no fewer than 500 troops.

The AP, citing its own sources, reported slightly deeper cuts, suggesting fewer than 1,000 US troops will remain.

Those remaining will reportedly continue supporting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in counterterrorism operations and managing detention camps. Reports claimed the drawdown follows recommendations from ground commanders and has received approval from the Pentagon and US Central Command. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has officially confirmed the withdrawal.

American forces have been stationed in Syria since 2014 under the stated mission of fighting ISIS. While previous estimates put troop levels at around 900, the Pentagon revealed last year that roughly 2,000 personnel were present. The announcement came shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted by a coalition of armed groups led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa assuming control. Assad's removal sparked renewedunrest, including an uprising among the Alawite minority that left hundreds dead.

Both Damascus and Moscow have repeatedly condemned the US presence in Syria as an illegal occupation. The former Syrian government accused Washington of exploiting the country's oil resources, as most US bases are in oil-rich regions of the northeast.

US President Donald Trump previously voiced skepticism about keeping troops in Syria. During the fall of Damascus in December, he wrote on social media: "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. We should have nothing to do with it."

Despite Assad's ouster, Russia has pledged to maintain its longstanding presence and support for Syria. During a meeting on Thursday with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also signaled readiness to work with Qatar to address Syria's humanitarian crisis and stabilize the country's security and economy.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, later told reporters that Russian forces will continue operating from their establishedbasesat Khmeimim and Tartus, which they lease under a long-term agreement signed in 2017.

"We are in dialogue with the transitional government in Syria. Our special envoy visited Syria. Our president spoke with the leader of the transition period. Our military is staying where they had been," Nebenzia said.

(RT.com)