The United States is going to pull its troops out of Syria after President Trump claimed to have defeated ISIS.
Wednesday's announcement took Washington officials by surprise.... and U.S. lawmakers strongly criticized the move.
Ro Aram reports.
There are about two thousand American troops in Syria and Washington is reportedly aiming for a full withdrawal within the next 100 days.
U.S. State Department personnel, meanwhile, were said to complete a full evacuation within 24 hours.
The Pentagon said it was moving to what it called the "next phase of the campaign" but did not give details.
In a tweet on Wednesday, President Trump declared victory over ISIS, adding that its defeat was the only reason for U.S. troops being there during his presidency.
Much of the militant group has been wiped out in north-eastern Syria, but pockets of fighters remain.
It is also reported that Trump went against his own defense officials, who want to maintain a U.S. presence to ensure ISIS do not reemerge.
Some of President Trump's fellow Republicans also criticized the move, saying it would give away U.S. influence in the region to rivals Russia and Iran, which both support the Syrian regime.
They also warned that the withdrawal could put U.S. allies, such as the Kurdish militia, at risk.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders echoed President Trump's declaration of victory over ISIS, but did suggest the U.S. would remain engaged to some degree.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.