America's mission in Syria remains the same as it was when it first began operations in 2014, that is to enable the enduring defeat of ISIS, United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has said.
His remarks came days after US President Donald Trump lifted all sanctions on Turkey after Ankara agreed to a permanent ceasefire in Syria as the American troops left the "blood stained sand", allowing the Russian and Turkish forces to take over the territory controlled by America and the Kurdish military.
Addressing a joint news conference with General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Esper said, "We have learned from our recent history in the Middle East that it is very easy to get drawn into continued conflict if our objectives are not clear. Acting as a police force out to solve every dispute is not our mission."
Esper said, "Those who remain will continue to execute counter-terrorism operations while staying in close contact with the Syrians Democratic forces who have fought alongside us. Additionally, the United States will retain control of oil fields in northeast Syria."