The United States has begun a significant drawdown of its military forces in northeastern Syria, with plans to withdraw several hundred troops and shutter multiple operational bases, according to The New York Times.

Citing two senior U.S. officials, the report revealed that the Pentagon intends to close three of its eight small outposts in the region. This reduction will lower the number of American troops in Syria from about 2,000 to roughly 1,400.

The move represents a notable shift in Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in Syria, where U.S. forces have long partnered with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to target remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS). While the Biden administration has not provided a public rationale for the decision, it comes amid changing regional dynamics and renewed debate over the U.S.’s long-term military footprint in the Middle East.

American troops were originally deployed to Syria to assist in the defeat of ISIS and support efforts to stabilize liberated areas. The current reduction could impact ongoing coordination with local partners and potentially affect the already fragile security landscape in northeastern Syria.

The Pentagon has not yet issued an official statement detailing the timeline of the base closures or the future plans for remaining forces on the ground.