The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Friday a plan to restructure its military presence in Syria by consolidating troops stationed across multiple bases in the country’s northeast. The move is expected to reduce the American troop count to fewer than 1,000 over the coming weeks and months.

Pentagon spokesperson Shaun Parnell stated that this is a “measured and conditions-based” process aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, while continuing to fulfill the core mission of combating ISIS remnants.

Parnell stressed that U.S. Central Command remains fully prepared to respond to any threats and will maintain coordination with coalition partners to ensure continued pressure on ISIS.

The drawdown comes alongside a recent U.S. military build-up in the Middle East, including the deployment of B-2 bombers, warships, and air defense systems, signaling Washington’s ongoing commitment to regional readiness despite a targeted reduction in Syria.