Syrian Army Secures Strategic Al-Shaddadi Base Following US Coordination
In a significant geopolitical development for the Syrian Jazira region, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has officially assumed full control of the Al-Shaddadi military base in the southern countryside of Hasakah. The handover, reportedly executed through direct coordination with United States forces, marks the return of one of the most critical military installations in northeastern Syria to the control of the government in Damascus.
Strategic Implications and Regional Shift
The transfer of Al-Shaddadi represents a pivotal shift in the balance of power within the resource-rich northeast. Geographically, the base serves as a vital logistical artery linking the Hasakah province to Deir ez-Zor. For years, it has functioned as a central hub for the US-led coalition’s operations against ISIS remnants and a monitoring station for the nearby Jibsah oil fields and gas processing facilities. By securing this site, Damascus has effectively re-established a military foothold that bridges the gap between its forces in the central desert and the northern border regions, significantly bolstering its ability to project power across the Euphrates region.
Historical Context
The Al-Shaddadi base has been a focal point of the Syrian conflict for over a decade. Formerly a stronghold for ISIS, it was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in early 2016 during a major offensive. Since then, it has operated under the de facto jurisdiction of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), hosting American troops and coalition logistics. The Syrian government has long maintained a vow to retake “every inch” of national territory, viewing the US presence as an illegal occupation. This coordinated withdrawal appears to act on previously stalled discussions regarding a phased US exit and the restoration of Syrian state sovereignty over key infrastructure.
Skepticism and Security Concerns
Despite the seamless nature of the reported transfer, the move has triggered immediate objections and concern among various stakeholders. Local Kurdish officials expressed fears that this handover signals a precipitous decline in American support for the SDF, leaving the semi-autonomous region vulnerable to external pressures from Turkey and internal pressures from Damascus.
Furthermore, regional security analysts have raised doubts regarding the long-term stability of the area. Critics argue that replacing US high-tech surveillance capabilities with SAA conventional forces could create security gaps, potentially allowing dormant insurgency cells to regroup in the vast desert expanses surrounding the base. Political opposition groups have also condemned the coordination, labeling it a diplomatic concession that legitimizes the Damascus government without securing necessary political reforms or guarantees for the local population.
