MARKET STRUCTURE · MIDDLE EAST
U.S. starts pulling forces from largest northeast Syria base
The Hindu
23 Feb · 1:24 PM
Change
On February 23, 2026, U.S. forces began withdrawing vehicles and equipment from the Qasrak base in Syria’s Hasakah province, according to Syrian military and security sources and witness accounts.
Why it matters
Movement of dozens of trucks, including armored vehicles, indicates an active reduction of U.S. presence at Qasrak, described as the coalition’s largest base in northeast Syria, with convoys observed heading toward Iraqi territory. The change alters the coalition’s ability to stage, supply, and project force from that specific hub on a near-term basis. Local partners and nearby population centers face a changed security posture as U.S. assets reposition and Damascus expands control. CENTCOM had not publicly confirmed the move at the time of reporting, leaving the scope and end-state of the withdrawal operationally uncertain for counterparties coordinating with U.S. forces.
Implications
- • Reduced coalition staging/sustainment capacity at Qasrak
- • Higher reliance on cross-border logistics via Iraq corridors
- • Local security coverage may shift as U.S. assets reposition
- • Coordination uncertainty while CENTCOM confirmation is pending
Who is affected
- • U.S. Central Command and deployed U.S. forces in Syria
- • U.S.-led coalition partners operating in northeast Syria
- • Syrian government security forces consolidating control
- • Local armed groups and security partners in Hasakah/Qamishli area
Source
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Topics
World & Politics International Affairs Conflicts Security & Defense