Damascus: The United States is preparing to deploy military personnel to an airbase in Damascus as part of efforts to support a security pact between Syria and Israel, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. This development marks a significant shift in Syria’s foreign policy following the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad last year, signaling Damascus’ strategic realignment toward Washington.
The airbase, strategically located at the gateway to southern Syria, is expected to play a crucial role in monitoring a potential demilitarized zone under the non-aggression agreement being brokered by the Trump administration. U.S. officials have accelerated reconnaissance missions at the facility over the past two months, confirming that its long runway is operational and ready for immediate use.
Technical discussions between U.S. and Syrian officials have centered on logistics, surveillance, refueling, and humanitarian operations, while Syria will retain full sovereignty over the site. Sources confirmed that U.S. military C-130 transport aircraft have already conducted test landings at the base to ensure operational readiness.
The timing of the deployment of U.S. personnel remains unclear. However, the initiative mirrors previous U.S. military arrangements in the region, including deployments in Lebanon and Israel aimed at monitoring ceasefire agreements between Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel. In northeastern Syria, the U.S. maintains a reduced troop presence assisting Kurdish-led forces against the Islamic State.
The planned presence comes ahead of a historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first such visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington. Both parties view the arrangement as a step toward stabilizing Syria, integrating the country into a U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, and fostering regional security.
While details remain sensitive, the development underscores a potential new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations and highlights Washington’s commitment to reshaping strategic dynamics in the Middle East. Observers note that the move could provide Israel with additional security assurances, though reactions from regional powers including Iran, Russia, and Turkey remain uncertain.