During a joint press conference with leaders from the Baltic states at the White House Tuesday, President Trump reiterated his plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
"The military mission to eradicate ISIS in Syria is coming to a rapid end, with ISIS being almost completely destroyed. The United States and our partners remain committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in Syria that our forces have not already eradicated. We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans. We expect countries in the region and beyond, plus the United Nations, to work toward peace and ensure that ISIS never re-emerges," Trump said.
On Thursday morning, the President reportedly agreed to keeping U.S. troops in Syria short term after advisement from the National Security Council.
"The military mission to eradicate ISIS in Syria is coming to a rapid end, with ISIS being almost completely destroyed. The United States and our partners remain committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in Syria that our forces have not already eradicated," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released in a statement Wednesday. "We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans. We expect countries in the region and beyond, plus the United Nations, to work toward peace and ensure that ISIS never re-emerges."
A number of senior administration have warned against leaving Syria too soon, arguing a power vacuum left by the U.S. will be taken up by Russia, Iran and a third wave of ISIS.
Earlier this week Army Colonel and Spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve Ryan Dillon said there is still work to be done in Syria to not only ensure the temporary defeat of ISIS, but to prevent the terrorist organization from regrouping.
Our Syrian partners have fought hard & sacrificed much to #defeatDaesh & liberate their homes from terrorists. Still more work to be done -- liberated areas need lasting security & stability to prevent Daesh's return. Here in Shanena, Syrian workers repair a local canal. pic.twitter.com/rhk2bWo5cU
— OIR Spokesman (@OIRSpox) April 2, 2018
Last month, Special Presidential Envoy for Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk noted the fight against ISIS in Iraq is also unfinished.
The fight against #ISIS is not over. Our thoughts and prayers with the families and loved ones of the brave Americans lost yesterday in western #Iraq. https://t.co/KO14I5URAE
— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) March 16, 2018
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