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Published 18:34 IST, October 21st 2019

Donald Trump planning to leave 200 soldiers in eastern Syria

US President Donald Trump is contemplating to leave behind a small contingent of the troops, around 200, in eastern Syria to prevent control of Islamic State.

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
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US President Donald Trump is contemplating to leave behind a small contingent of the troops, around 200, in eastern Syria to prevent any reversals of the gains made against the Islamic State. Trump has been facing severe backlash for pulling out the troops from northeastern Syria which led to Turkish incursion. A senior official of Trump Administration told an American Daily that the US President has been considering the plan for roughly a week. 

Read: Donald Trump, Susan Rice In War Of Words Over Syria And 'gross' Hug

Allegations of giving green signal to Syrian offensive

Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from northeastern Syria was followed by a violent clash between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish fighters. Democrats have blamed Trump for giving a green signal to an impending clash. Trump, later, threatened Turkey of destroying the economy if they don’t stop the Syrian offensive and also asked the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, not to be a “fool”.

“The United States will aggressively use economic sanctions to target those who enable, facilitate, and finance these heinous acts in Syria. I am fully prepared to destroy Turkey’s economy if Turkish leaders continue down this dangerous and destructive path,” said Trump in a statement.

Read: Donald Trump Announces US-Turkey Ceasefire In Northeast Syria

Defence chief visits the Middle East

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, who is on a visit to the Middle East and Europe, stated that the US troops leaving Syria will be deployed in Iraq. Esper said the troops will continue operations against Islamic State, without denying the possibility of counter-terrorism missions into Syria from Iraq.

“One is to help defend Iraq and two is to perform a counter-ISIS mission as we sort through the next steps,” said Esper. “Things could change between now and whenever we complete the withdrawal, but that’s the game plan right now,” he added.

Esper did not divulge any details about the future missions against the Islamic State and said they have to work those details. The Defence Secretary said the troops will ensure the prevention of any resurgence of the Islamic State.

Read: Donald Trump Seconds Erdogan's Tweet, Says 'Defeat Terrorism'

Read: Erdogan Is Hell Of A Leader, Tough Man: US President Donald Trump

(With Inputs from Agencies)

18:16 IST, October 21st 2019