The United States is planning to set up a military presence at an airbase in Damascus to support a security agreement it is negotiating between Syria and Israel. This move indicates Syria’s shift toward aligning with the U. S. after the fall of its long-time leader Bashar al-Assad, who was allied with Iran. The base, located near a future demilitarized zone as part of the agreement, is part of efforts by the U. S. administration under President Donald Trump to mediate peace.
Trump is set to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader in this capacity. Reports from six sources, including a Syrian defense official and Western officials, confirm that the U. S. plans to use the base to monitor developments related to the potential agreement between Israel and Syria. The Pentagon has been conducting reconnaissance missions to ensure the base is operational.
The discussions surrounding the base focus on its use for logistical support, surveillance, refueling, and humanitarian operations, with Syria maintaining sovereignty over it. U. S. military aircraft have already landed there as part of preliminary assessments. However, it remains unclear when U. S. military personnel will actually be stationed at the base.
This initiative mirrors similar U. S. military efforts in other regions, monitoring ceasefire agreements between rival groups. Currently, the U. S. has troops in northeastern Syria to support local forces in combating ISIS. The Pentagon plans to reduce their number soon. Sharaa has noted that any U. S. military presence should be mutually agreed upon with the new Syrian government, which is expected to join the U. S.-led coalition against ISIS.
The U. S. has been pushing for a security deal between Israel and Syria and aims to finalize it soon. A source indicates that Washington is encouraging Syria to reach an agreement before the end of the year, possibly before Sharaa’s visit to Washington.
With information from Reuters