US completes troop withdrawal from key base in Syria
Kyiv • UNN
The last convoy of American equipment left the base as part of the contingent reduction. The facility came under the control of the Syrian army in accordance with agreements.
American troops have completed their withdrawal from the Kasrak airbase in Syria's Hasakah province as part of a broader reduction of their military presence in the country. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
On Thursday, the last convoy of military personnel and equipment left the base. The withdrawal was confirmed by both American and Syrian officials.
U.S. Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins stated: "U.S. forces have completed the transfer of all our major bases in Syria as part of a focused and conditions-based transfer."
Syrian Control and Agreements
Following the U.S. departure, most former American facilities came under the control of the Syrian army.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that this was the result of agreements between the government in Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as successes in the fight against the Islamic State group.
Broader Troop Reduction
The withdrawal from Kasrak began in late February and is part of an overall reduction of the U.S. military presence in Syria. Earlier, American forces left the Al-Tanf base near the border with Jordan.
Prior to this, the U.S. also transferred about 5,700 suspected ISIS militants from Syrian detention centers to prisons in Iraq.
Despite the troop reduction, Washington states its intention to continue supporting partners in the fight against terrorism.
We will continue to support counter-terrorism efforts by partners that are essential to ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS and strengthening regional security