Tipsheet

President Trump: We'll Keep Troops in Syria For Now...But The Mission is Rapidly Coming to an End

Katie Pavlich
Katie Pavlich  |  April 04, 2018 11:35 AM

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.

Recommended

The Corruption of Rep. Adam Schiff is Reaching a Tipping Point Rachel Alexander
The (Communist) Nerds Are the Bad Guys in This Movie Kurt Schlichter

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.

Last month, Special Presidential Envoy for Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk noted the fight against ISIS in Iraq is also unfinished.