US troops withdrawn from north-eastern Syria before Turkish operation

On October 7, the troops by the United States have been withdrawn from north-east Syria before an “imminent Turkish operation” which according to the Kurdish-led fighters will change the victory over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant armed group. According to the statement by the White House, the American troops will not support or be a part of the Turkish-led operation. Stephanie Grisham, the White House Press Secretary reportedly said in a statement that their troops will be relocated from the immediate area. 

Withdrawl of all 1000 US troops?

There were nearly 1,000 US troops in northern Syria, however, it still remains unclear if this statement will follow the withdrawal of all of them. Turkey has reportedly been planning this operation for a long time in northern Syria. A US official reportedly told an international agency that American forces had also evacuated on two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain in northeast Syria, along the Turkish border. Moreover, troops deployed in other areas were purportedly still in position. 

Read: Turkey To Not Allow ISIS To Return, US To Withdraw From Turkish Border

Major shift

This withdrawal has marked a notable shift in the foreign policy of the US, and abandons the US ally in the fight against ISIS which had taken over Syria before being defeated last year. The President of the US, Donald Trump, also defended the decision to withdraw the troops from northern Syria. According to him, it was costing massive amounts of money and equipment in continuing the support to US allies. In addendum to that, this move also opposes the advice of senior officials in the Pentagon along with the US State Department. 

Read: US To Step Aside For Turkish Assault On Kurds In Syria

Read: Turkey President Erdogan To Meet Trump In US Over Syria 'safe Zone'

Turkish army: Ready to Launch

After the announcement by the US, Recap Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey has reportedly said that the Turkish army was ready to launch operations against the Kurdish army in Syria at any instance. President Erdogan reportedly told the press that they can come at any night without any warning. He also said that any further threats by the terrorist group will not be tolerated by Turkey. However, reportedly, Syria-led Kurdish army to have warned against the invasion planned by Turkey because it might ignite the major ISIS resurgence and restart the battle for the Turkish army. 

Read: Turkey Threatens Solo Army Operation In North-eastern Syrian Province

(With agency inputs)