The end of the Assad era has reduced some threats, but the Islamic State has shown renewed strength in the country.

The U.S. military will consolidate its presence in Syria over the coming weeks and months in a move that could reduce the number of troops it has in the country by half, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on Friday.

The Pentagon said that the drawdown, which will cut the U.S. military presence in Syria by half, comes after recent gains against ISIS.