US forces withdraw from once-strategic foothold in Syria, U.S. officials say

WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. military has completed a withdrawal from Syria's al-Tanf garrison, turning over the strategically-located base to Syrian government forces, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday.

The al-Tanf complex is positioned at the tri-border confluence of Syria, Jordan and Iraq.

It was established during Syria's civil war in 2014 as a key hub for operations by the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants. But it became a key foothold in a battle against Iranian influence due to its position along roadways linking Damascus to Tehran.