A high-level American military delegation is set to arrive in Damascus in the coming days to sign an agreement with the Syrian government regarding the status of US military bases in the country.

This development marks a significant shift in US policy towards Syria, transitioning from an unauthorised military presence to a formalised, legal partnership.

According to a Syrian security source cited by Independent Arabia , the agreement will legitimise the American military presence in Syria with the approval of the Syrian government. The source stated that US forces will withdraw from all bases in northeastern Syria, including those in Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, and Hasakah.

However, the US will maintain its presence at the al-Tanf base, located at the tri-border area between Syria, Jordan, and Iraq.

This move is seen as a significant transformation in Syrian-American relations, following a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh. The agreement would be the first of its kind in decades, signalling a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

In parallel, Fox News reported that the US has withdrawn approximately 500 troops from Syria in recent weeks, closing two military bases in Deir Ezzor province and handing over a third to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman told Independent Arabia that the US is indeed reducing its troop numbers in Syria. He emphasised that after the successful mission against ISIS, a large portion of the American presence can now be withdrawn.

Stutzman also highlighted the potential for the new Syrian government to become a friend to the United States, noting that Trump met with President Sharaa and announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

US State Department regional spokesperson Michael Mitchell confirmed that the United States aims to begin a new era in relations with Syria, based on cooperation and partnership. He acknowledged that a partial withdrawal has already begun but stated that a complete withdrawal is premature due to ongoing concerns about the potential resurgence of ISIS and other destabilising forces.

Analysts suggest that the continued US presence at al-Tanf serves two primary objectives: continuing the fight against ISIS and monitoring pro-Iranian militias to prevent the establishment of overland weapons supply routes that could threaten regional stability.

This agreement, if finalized, would not only redefine the US military footprint in Syria but also reflect a broader mutual shift in perception—from adversaries to potential partners in stabilization, counterterrorism, and reconstruction efforts.

Observers believe that the US troop drawdown is influenced by several factors, including the successful completion of primary military objectives, a strategic shift in Pentagon priorities under the Trump administration, and the emergence of a new Syrian government open to dialogue and cooperation with the West.

The evolving relationship between the US and Syria may pave the way for permanent partnerships and American investment in key sectors like energy, contributing to the country’s reconstruction and long-term stability.