Explained: Due to whose fear did America leave Syria? Why did Trump remove soldiers from Kasarak base, US Army deployed in these countries apart from India

In April 2026, America ended its entire military presence in Syria. The last American convoy left Kasarak airbase in Hasakah province. With this, at least seven major bases including Hasaka, Rumailan, Deir ez-Zor were handed over to the Syrian government. Now the Syrian Army has complete control over all these bases. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that about 2000 American soldiers are returning to Jordan. But what happened that Trump took this decision? You will know in the explainer…

Question 1: Whose fear played the biggest role in the American army leaving Syria?
answer: The biggest fear was from the militias supported by Turkey and Iran. Turkey considers the SDF to be part of the PKK terrorist organization and was not able to attack openly in the presence of America. As soon as American troops left, the SDF became weak, due to which it had to compromise with the Damascus government. Besides, there was also a threat of attack from Iran-backed groups. American troops and supplies were evacuated through the Jordan route to avoid Iranian proxy attacks via Iraq.

The Trump administration had made the complete plan in February 2026 itself. The new government of Syria also said that now only one administration will run the entire country and the responsibility for security rests entirely with it. It had now become expensive and risky for America to stay in Syria. This decision was taken exactly 12 years after the campaign against ISIS started in 2014. Then the US, along with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), defeated ISIS, but the situation changed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and the arrival of new President Ahmed al-Shaara.

America brokered an agreement between the SDF and the Damascus government, under which the SDF is now joining the Syrian army. America called it “conditions-based transition”. Now the Syrian government itself is dealing with the threat of ISIS, so America no longer needs its presence.

Question 2: Which countries has the US Army evacuated before?
answer: America has withdrawn troops from many places in the last years…

• The biggest and most talked about decision was the complete withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, when the Taliban came back to power.
• In 2024-2025, troops were also reduced from parts of Syria and Iraq.
• The latest example is a complete withdrawal from Syria during Trump’s second term in 2025-2026.
• Earlier, America also withdrew from some smaller bases, such as Al-Tanf base in southern Syria in February 2026.

However, America has shrunk not from the whole world but only according to its needs. Moved out from where the threat of ISIS or terrorism had reduced. But where there are big threats like China, Russia or Iran, presence was increased.

Question 3: Where are American soldiers deployed around the world and why?

answer: The United States has more than 800 military bases or access points in more than 80 countries around the world. According to the data of 2025-2026, these countries have the highest number of soldiers:

• Japan: Approximately 55,000-61,000 soldiers because stopping the growing threat of China and security in the Indo-Pacific is a big challenge.
• Germany: Approximately 36,000-49,000 soldiers. Reason- NATO’s biggest base and Europe’s security against Russia.
• South Korea: There are approximately 24,000-26,000 troops, because the threat from Korea is to be stopped.
• Middle East: There are more than 50,000 soldiers. There are military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan and Kuwait etc. to monitor the remaining ISIS targets and counter Iran’s nuclear program and missiles.
• UK, Italy: Air and naval bases, NATO cooperation.
• Other: Small and big bases in many countries including Australia, Philippines and Guam.

Overall, more than 2 lakh American soldiers are deployed abroad, because America believes that peace is established through strength. We have to stop China in the Indo-Pacific, Russia in Europe, Iran in the Middle East and counter terrorism. The Trump administration is now focusing more on domestic security, strategic places like the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Question 4: Why is there no American base in India?

answer: No American military base has ever been built in India and there is no possibility of it being built in the future. The biggest reason for this is India’s policy of strategic autonomy. From Nehru period to Modi period, every government has clearly said that no foreign soldier can stay on Indian soil. There are 5 big reasons for this:

1. Independence and Autonomy: India has been a victim of colonialism. He considers the foreign base to be an attack on his freedom. Creating a base may give America an opportunity to interfere in Indian policies.
2. Non Alignment Policy: India never became a part of any block (NATO or Warsaw). There are agreements like Quad, COMCASA, LEMOA, but these are only for cooperation and logistics, not for a permanent base.
3. Own strong army: India has the fourth largest army in the world, is a nuclear power and can meet its own needs. There is no need for American security.
4. Regional Balance: Does not want to spoil relations with China and Russia. China and Russia may be angry with the base.
5. Political Sensitivity: The Indian public and the opposition will never accept a foreign base.

Even in 2025-2026, there is talk of increasing Quad and Indo-Pacific cooperation with India in the NDAA 2026 law, but there was no discussion on the base. India buys weapons from America and conducts joint exercises, but the principle of not allowing bases to be built remains firm.