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Germany warns that Trump's Syria pullout could hurt fight against IS

AFP/The Local
AFP/The Local - [email protected]
Germany warns that Trump's Syria pullout could hurt fight against IS
Two US Army vehicles in front of an American base near Manbidsch in Syria in March. Photo: DPA

Germany warned Thursday that US President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria could endanger a battle against Islamic State militants and jeopardize achievements on the front.

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"The IS has been pushed back, but the threat is not over. There is a danger that the consequences of (Trump's) decision could hurt the fight against the IS and endanger what has been achieved," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a statement.

The battle against the Islamist militants would be "decided in the long run – militarily and with civilian means", said Maas.

The Foreign Minister stressed the need for a political process under the auspices of the United Nations, in order to bring lasting stability back to war-torn Syria.

Trump suddenly ordered the withdrawal of 2,000 American troops from Syria on Wednesday, in a move that shocked allies, asserting that IS had been defeated.

But major allies, including senior Republicans and foreign powers, have disputed the claim and say the move could lead to a resurgence of IS.

US troops have helped clear much of Syria's north-east of the jihadist group, but pockets of fighters remain.

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Anonymous 2019/02/01 20:27
Like Germany contributes jack shit to the war on terrorism.

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