Syria Takes Last U.S. Base, Ends Decade-Long Presence

Syrian government forces took control of the last remaining U.S. military base in the country on Thursday, marking the end of a decade-long American troop presence in the fight against the Islamic State group.

The final convoy of U.S. soldiers and equipment departed Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah, according to statements from Syrian officials and U.S. Central Command. Syrian army units, including the 60th Division composed largely of Kurdish fighters previously affiliated with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, entered the site shortly after. The handover completes the transfer of all major U.S. bases in Syria, following earlier withdrawals from sites such as Rmeilan, Shaddadi and al-Tanf.

Syria's Foreign Ministry described the development as a reflection of the government's efforts to extend state authority over the northeast and border regions, which had operated outside Damascus's control for years. "The completion of the handover of these sites also reflects the successful integration of the SDF into national structures, and the Syrian state's assumption of full responsibility for combating terrorism," the ministry said in a statement....