The United States is reportedly seeking to expand its military presence in Syria's central desert region by taking control of several airfields and establishing new bases under full American supervision, according to a report released Thursday by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The move, the report said, is part of Washington's broader effort to strengthen its military foothold in the Syrian desert, known as the Badiya, and secure strategically important sites across the region. The initiative aims to bolster operational capacity, safeguard logistical routes, and reinforce influence near areas rich in oil and gas, said the report.
According to the report, US-led coalition forces from the al-Tanf base recently inspected the al-Seen military airport northeast of Damascus to assess its suitability for operations. The visit was conducted with units from the Badiya Security Forces, who now coordinate with the coalition under joint security arrangements.
The observatory also cited the construction of a new coalition post near the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border and increased US military activity around Palmyra, suggesting Washington may be preparing additional bases in the area.
No official comments were made in Damascus regarding these developments.
US and coalition troops have maintained a presence in al-Tanf and northeastern Syria for years, operating from multiple outposts in partnership with local forces, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to reportedly conduct operations against remnants of the Islamic State group.
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In a separate report, the observatory said Israeli forces on Thursday and before carried out new movements and incursions in the countryside of southern Syria's Quneitra province, advancing from the occupied Golan Heights toward positions near several border villages.
According to the Britain-based monitoring group, an Israeli tank reportedly moved toward Tal al-Ahmar al-Sharqi in Qudna amid gunfire from nearby positions. The previous day, Israeli vehicles entered the villages of al-Ruwayhina and Rasm al-Halabi, setting up a temporary checkpoint and taking positions at a village entrance.
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No clashes or arrests were reported, though the activity has stirred fear among local residents.
The incursion is the latest in a string of Israeli infiltrations of Syrian territories following the collapse of the former government of Syria in December 2024.
