The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing to establish a military presence at an air base in Damascus, Syria, Reuters reports.

The move comes amid efforts by the Donald Trump administration to broker a non-aggression and security pact between Syria and Israel. The base is situated near southern Syria in a zone expected to be demilitarised under such a deal.

Sources say the runway is already in operational condition, and technical discussions are underway focusing on logistics, surveillance, refuelling and humanitarian operations. Syria would retain full sovereignty over the facility.

A U.S. official confirmed to Reuters that Washington is constantly evaluating its necessary posture in Syria but declined to comment on specific locations.

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