The US is seeking to expand its military presence in Syria by deploying troops to an airbase near Damascus, according to reports. Discussions are ongoing with the new Syrian government, led by ex-jihadist leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite past opposition to American forces. The arrangement is tied to a non-aggression pact with Israel, which aims to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. The deal, potentially finalized by the end of the year, would allow the US to use the base for logistical and humanitarian operations while maintaining Syrian sovereignty over the facility.
The agreement, reportedly discussed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper during a visit to Damascus in September, is seen as a strategic move to secure US interests in the region while maintaining Syrian sovereignty over the facility. The decision follows months of instability in Syria, with the country plunged into chaos after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. The new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former leader of the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has faced resistance from various minority groups, including Alawites, Christians, Kurds, and Druze.
Islamist factions have repeatedly targeted minority communities, prompting Israel to invade the buffer zone near the occupied Golan Heights. West Jerusalem has claimed the move was necessary to block hostile actions along the frontier and protect the Druze community. The potential agreement between the US and Syria could have significant implications for the region’s security and stability, with both sides aiming to establish a framework for cooperation in the political and military domains.