According to sources within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), US forces in northeastern Syria have relocated personnel and reinforced key positions in Hasakah province, following a wave of missile and drone attacks attributed to Iranian-backed militias. The redeployments reflect growing concerns about regional escalation as Israeli strikes on Iran ripple across the region.
A military source told Syria TV the US evacuated two military bases—Wazir and Tal Baydar—and transferred senior personnel, including SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and US State Department officials, to the fortified Shaddadi base.
“The relocation was a precaution linked to the Israeli attack on Iran,” the source said, noting that Shaddadi’s integrated air defense and radar systems offer greater protection against missile strikes. The base also houses an airstrip and substantial heavy equipment.
Interceptions and Tactical Moves
Multiple US positions came under fire between June 14 and 15, with Iranian militias launching missiles from Iraqi territory and the Syrian border. According to Asharq al-Awsat, US air defenses intercepted several projectiles over Shaddadi, Kharab al-Jir and Ghuwayran in Hasakah city, preventing casualties.
Witnesses in Hawl and Rmelan described hearing explosions and observing flares over the skies. One resident, identified only as “Abu Saeed,” said a missile believed to be Iranian crashed near Hawl last Sunday, with local forces responding quickly. US aircraft conducted low flyovers throughout the week, particularly around key transport routes and forward positions.
The Pentagon declined to confirm the strikes but acknowledged awareness of the reports. A defense official told the Long War Journal that any developments concerning Iranian-Israeli tensions were being handled through the White House.
Strategic Downsizing and Base Consolidation
Washington plans to scale back its presence in Syria by closing smaller installations and concentrating forces in fewer, better-defended sites. Some bases in Deir Ezzor have already been decommissioned. The remaining footprint, SDF sources claim, will likely focus on five main areas, including at least three in Hasakah.
A July 2024 study by the Jusoor Center for Studies counted 17 US bases and 15 military points in Syria, most concentrated in Hasakah, with additional sites in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa.
Regional Implications and Continued Presence
No group has officially claimed the recent attacks, though the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” a coalition of Iranian-backed militias, has conducted nearly 200 similar operations over the past 18 months. Ahead of the strikes, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada warned it would target US forces if conflict with Israel deepened.
Despite the rising tensions, the US has reassured SDF leadership that it will not fully withdraw. A source close to the SDF says Washington remains committed to anti-ISIS operations and will continue to support the Kurdish-led forces amid ongoing coordination with the Syrian government.
