France Says That Its Troops Will Remain In Syria Even Though The U.S. Is Leaving

Reuters: France says Islamic State not defeated, troops to remain in Syria

PARIS (Reuters) - France will keep troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out, contrary to the U.S. view, and has started talks with the United States on the conditions and calendar of its withdrawal, officials said.

France is a leading member of the U.S.-led coalition fighting militants in Syria and Iraq and has special forces based in the north of the country, deployed alongside Kurdish and Arab forces, and carries out air strikes against the group.

A French presidency source told reporters members of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S. partner in the area, would be in Paris on Friday to hold talks with officials over the move.

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Update #1: France staying in Syria to fight ISIS, surprised by Trump decision (The Hill)
Update #2: France to stay in Syria after US troops ordered home: Minister (AFP)

WNU Editor: The French are not the only ones who are worried on what may happen in Syria with the U.S. withdrawal .... US planned withdrawal from Syria worries Western allies (AFP).



from War News Updates http://bit.ly/2V1wn2Z