This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 13, 2019, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that the United States will maintain a military presence in Syria, contradicting President Donald Trump's desire to end US involvement in the region.
Speaking onboard a plane as he traveled to Seoul, Esper stated that the US will keep around 600 troops in Syria, despite Trump's call for an end to 'endless wars.'
Esper clarified that the 600 troops will be stationed across the country, with some deployed to the Al-Tanf base near the southeastern borders with Jordan and Iraq.
The Pentagon chief acknowledged that the numbers could fluctuate, particularly if European allies strengthen their presence in the country.
Trump's abrupt announcement last month that he had ordered a full troop withdrawal drew angry rebukes at home and abroad, with critics warning that it could allow a resurgence of the Islamic State group and leave US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria vulnerable to a Turkish invasion.
However, Trump later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region to protect valuable oil fields.
