In a move reflecting the rising influence of Syria’s new transitional government following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, the U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) has expanded its military presence to include two key airbases—Al-Dumayr and Al-Seen—east of Damascus. The deployments mark a new phase in reshaping Syria’s security map, particularly in the vast, unstable Badia desert region.
Al-Dumayr Airbase: The First Step
On April 1, 2025, media reports confirmed the arrival of U.S.-led coalition forces and FSA units at Al-Dumayr Airbase, located on the edge of the eastern Syrian desert. The move was accompanied by tight security measures and the establishment of military checkpoints throughout the nearby city.
The deployment followed an official request from the Syrian transitional government’s Interior Ministry and is part of a broader effort to establish FSA control along a critical corridor stretching from the Al-Tanf base through Palmyra and Al-Sukhna, reaching as far as Al-Dumayr.
Two weeks later, on May 17, amid a resurgence of ISIS activity in the region, the FSA announced its continued deployment—this time to Al-Seen Airbase, strategically located near the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway. This site had long served as a critical node in Syria’s former air defense network.
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In an official statement shared on X, the Free Syrian Army affirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and preventing ISIS from accessing weaponry or threatening regional security. The statement also underscored the importance of the location in safeguarding key supply lines and deterring threats from extremist groups and Iranian-backed militias.
Positioning for Future Operations
In exclusive remarks to +963, an FSA commander—who requested anonymity—explained that the recent deployments were prompted by heightened activity from ISIS cells and Iran-backed militias in the Badia region.
“These airbases allow us to monitor suspicious movements and will likely serve as operational hubs in future security campaigns,” the commander said.
He also highlighted ongoing coordination with the transitional government and outlined plans to eventually expand toward Tiyas (T-4) Airbase, as part of a “strategic and phased military deployment.”
The commander emphasized that support from the U.S.-led coalition remains critical, noting regular intelligence sharing, joint operations, and logistical coordination. “This support allows us to conduct effective security missions and deliver stability services to local communities,” he added.
Al-Tanf as Command Center
The Al-Tanf base, located at the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border triangle, remains the central hub for the Free Syrian Army. Approximately 500 fighters, many of whom are former officers in Assad’s military, are stationed there. Joint patrols and exercises with U.S. forces are routinely launched from this base to secure the desert and counter both Iranian expansion and ISIS resurgence.
Though Al-Tanf has been targeted in the past by drone and missile attacks attributed to Iranian proxies, it remains a cornerstone of the U.S. presence in the region. For Washington, the FSA continues to serve as a vital local partner in both counterterrorism operations and containment of Iranian influence.
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Strategic Implications and Battlefield Shifts
Military analyst Mohammad Abbas told +963 that gaining control of Al-Dumayr and Al-Seen constitutes a strategic milestone in what he termed a growing “airbase network.” These sites, he said, not only expand geographic reach but also bolster the new Syrian military’s deterrence capabilities and logistical efficiency.
“This is not a radical shift in strategy, but it significantly enhances the operational capabilities of the new Syrian armed forces in confronting threats from the east and south,” Abbas explained. He also noted an unprecedented level of coordination between the Free Syrian Army and the international coalition, driven by the country’s political transition.
Abbas added that recent defense ministry efforts to unify armed factions under a centralized command structure are likely to improve operational cohesion, especially at sensitive sites like these airbases.
U.S. Policy Shift: Lifting Sanctions on Syria
These military moves coincided with a major announcement by the U.S. government. In mid-May, the Trump administration declared its intent to lift all sanctions on Syria, reportedly at the request of Saudi Arabia. The decision marks a fundamental shift in Washington’s stance on Damascus.
U.S. officials stated that the Treasury Department is preparing to issue general licenses aimed at facilitating reconstruction efforts, framing the move as part of a broader strategy to “support lasting peace and stability after years of war.” The announcement signals Washington’s recognition of interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s transitional government and a stronger backing for coalition-supported forces countering terrorism and curbing Iranian influence.
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Regional Realignment and a New Chapter for Syria
Observers interpret these military deployments as part of a deeper restructuring of Syria’s post-Assad landscape. The transitional government, led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, aims to build a functional national security apparatus and expand its territorial control in cooperation with both regional allies and the international community.
According to Mohammad Sarmini, director of the Jusoor Center for Studies, the FSA’s expansion “signals the emergence of a centralized military decision-making structure under the new leadership—essential for unifying command after years of fragmentation.”
While these steps provide tangible tools for the government to assert domestic and international legitimacy, Sarmini warns that the political and security environment remains fragile.
“The government still faces formidable challenges,” he said, “including uniting rival factions, administering liberated areas, and pursuing national reconciliation.”
