U.S. Movements in Syrian Desert Signal Plans to Establish New Base Near Al-Tanf
Exclusive sources from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that U.S.-led Coalition forces have begun constructing a new military outpost outside the 55-kilometer security zone at the Syrian–Iraqi–Jordanian border triangle, near the international highway connecting Baghdad and Damascus.
According to the sources, the move follows the delivery of all essential equipment to the site in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Interior, while construction of the new outpost is still underway.
Information indicates that the new point aims to train additional recruits within local forces operating alongside the coalition, as the number of affiliates continues to grow. The training will reportedly take place under the direct supervision of coalition forces, with the goal of strengthening military capabilities and enhancing operational readiness in the border region.
This development comes after unusual military movements were observed in and around Palmyra (Tadmur) on October 16, marked by the arrival of U.S. aircraft and armored vehicles at the Al-Tanf base, located at the border triangle, without Syrian military accompaniment.
Local sources said that U.S. troops patrolled Palmyra and its historic citadel, coinciding with drone flights believed to be conducting reconnaissance and aerial mapping missions, before returning later to Al-Tanf base.
Available information suggests that these recent U.S. movements are part of potential field preparations, amid reports indicating Washington’s intention to bolster its military presence in the border region and establish new positions to support operations against extremist organizations.
The U.S.-led International Coalition has maintained a presence for several years at Al-Tanf base, as well as in northeastern Syria within areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), using its bases there as launch points for military and security operations targeting remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
