Syria says all U.S.-used military sites handed over to interim authority

A truck transports military equipment in Hasakah province, Syria, April 16, 2026. Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal.

In a statement, the authority said the handover marks the restoration of Damascus' control over regions, particularly in the northeast and along the borders, that were previously outside its authority.

The authority described the development as a result of efforts to unify the country under a single framework, adding that it coincides with progress in integrating Kurdish-led forces into state institutions.

Syrian authorities are now assuming full responsibility for combating terrorism and addressing security challenges within the country, according to the statement.

Earlier in the day, Syrian defense authorities said Syrian forces had taken control of Qasrak Air Base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition troops.

This transfer is part of a broader U.S. troop drawdown in Syria. In February, Syrian forces took control of the al-Tanf base near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, as well as the al-Shaddadi base in Hasakah province. Control of the Rmeilan base near the Iraqi border was also transferred in mid-March.

A truck transports military equipment in Hasakah province, Syria, April 16, 2026. Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal. (Str/Xinhua)

A truck transports military equipment in Hasakah province, Syria, April 16, 2026. Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal. (Str/Xinhua)