Damascus, April 16 (SANA) Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the transfer of military sites previously operated by U.S. forces to the Syrian government, saying the move marks a step toward restoring state control over all territory.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the handover reflects ongoing efforts by the Syrian government to unify the country under one state and reassert sovereignty over areas that had been outside its control, including parts of the northeast and border regions.
The ministry added that the completion of the handover represents a natural outcome of the successful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into national structures, and of the Syrian state assuming full responsibility for combating terrorism and addressing regional threats on its territory.
It added that Washington’s decision to end its military mission in Syria reflects a shift in conditions that had initially justified the U.S. presence, particularly the fight against ISIS, stressing that Syria is now in a position to lead counterterrorism efforts with international cooperation.
The ministry said the handover was carried out in coordination between the Syrian and U.S. governments, in a way that reflects the developing relationship between Damascus and Washington following the historic meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and President Donald Trump at the White House in October 2025.
It also expressed Syria’s intention to expand diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation with the United States in the next phase.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense said Syrian Arab Army forces had taken control of Qasrak Air Base in the Hasakah countryside following the withdrawal of coalition forces.
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