A Decade Ends: Syrian Army Takes Control of Strategic Al-Tanf Base Following U.S. Withdrawal

In a major shift in the Syrian conflict, the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, that its units have taken full control of the Al-Tanf garrison. The handover follows a coordinated withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces, marking the end of nearly 10 years of American military presence at the strategic tri-border junction between Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.

U.S. troops, previously numbering around 200, have reportedly relocated to Tower 22 in Jordan. This move is part of a broader diplomatic realignment under the Trump administration, which recently lifted economic sanctions on Syria following the establishment of a new government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. The departure closes the "55km deconfliction zone" and allows Damascus to secure the vital M2 highway linking Baghdad and Damascus, effectively ending Al-Tanf's role as a primary hub for monitoring regional military activities.