Photo: ReutersThe United States is likely to be just weeks away from starting the withdrawal of ground troops from Syria ordered by President Donald Trump, the top commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East says. Asked whether the withdrawal of America's more than 2000 troops would begin in days or weeks, Votel said: "Probably weeks. Referring to future US troop levels in Iraq, Votel said: "I think it's going to remain more or less steady." Washington views the Kurdish militia as loyal partners in the fight against Islamic State, whose help will likely continue to be needed to prevent the group's resurgence. The Pentagon's own internal watchdog released a report last week warning about the risks still posed by Islamic State.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 11, 2019 01:15 UTC