The U.S. is considering to keep some troops in northeastern Syria to stop oil falling into the hands of Islamic State or others but no decision has yet been made, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. Mr. Trump began pulling U.S. troops back from northeastern Syria in early October, opening the way for Turkish troops to launch an offensive against the Kurdish fighters. Mr. Esper said there had been discussions about keeping some of the U.S. troops, who were with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in place. The SDF, spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, has been the main partner for the U.S.-led coalition in Syria. Mr. Erdogan is due to hold talks with Mr. Putin on Tuesday.

Source: The Hindu October 21, 2019 16:18 UTC