This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, US President Donald Trump announced a major policy shift, withdrawing US troops from key positions along Syria's northern border. This move effectively abandons the Kurds, Washington's main ally in the battle against the Islamic State group.
Trump's decision was met with a statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led militia controlling much of northeastern Syria. The SDF confirmed that US forces had withdrawn from the border areas with Turkey.
Trump defended his decision, stating that the region would have to 'figure the situation out.' He claimed that the Kurds were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to fight against the Islamic State group, but were ultimately fighting Turkey for decades.
Trump also insisted that 100% of the ISIS caliphate had been defeated, but warned that the United States would 'crush ISIS again if they come anywhere near us!'
Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria has sparked concerns about the fate of the Kurds and the stability of the region. The move marks a significant shift in US policy and has been met with criticism from many quarters.
