Syria to Deploy Army as U.S.-Backed Militia Withdraws

The Syrian Defense Ministry has announced a military deployment. Army units will move into areas west of the Euphrates River. This follows an agreement for the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF and its main militia, the People's Protection Units (YPG, considered a terror group by Turkey), will retreat to the east bank of the river. The Syrian government stated this move will help secure the region and allow displaced civilians to return. The SDF is a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS. Its presence west of the Euphrates has been a persistent point of tension with Turkey and the Syrian government. This planned withdrawal marks a significant shift in the control of territory in northern Syria.