Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. troops are seen during a patrol near Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria November 4, 2018. REUTERS/Rodi Said/File Photo
Reuters: Trump starts pulling U.S. forces from Syria
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has begun withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria, declaring on Wednesday they have succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State, and U.S. officials said Washington is considering removing all its forces from the country.
A decision to pull out completely, if confirmed, would come as the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops wind up a campaign to retake territory once held by the militant group. But it would raise doubts about how to prevent a resurgence of the militant group, undercut U.S. leverage in the region and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian civil war, which is now in its eighth year.
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MIDDLE EAST
Trump did not discuss Syria pullout with Erdogan in advance: U.S. official.
Russia: US troop pullout is helpful for Syria settlement - TASS.
Israel says will study U.S. pullout from Syria, ensure its own security.
Explosions rock Yemen's main port for second day after truce.
Hodeida truce 'dead duck' if rebel breaches persist: coalition.
Yemen govt allies urge swift UN deployment to save Hodeida truce.
Yemen's warring sides agree to swap thousands of prisoners.
Russia, Turkey, Iran fail in push for new Syrian constitution.
U.S. weighs complete withdrawal of troops from Syria: U.S. officials.
Iran rights lawyer Sotoudeh to face new trial.
Israel urges UN action over Hezbollah 'attack tunnels'.
Saudi outreach to Israel 'faces setbacks' after Khashoggi crisis.
ASIA
Bipartisan senators call for U.S. 'genocide' label of Myanmar killings.
Third Canadian detained in China as feud escalates.
China warns US against 'weaponising' space after Trump ordered Pentagon to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations.
Death penalty may await Sun Bo, boss of Chinese aircraft carrier firm CSIC, for alleged spying role.
China reveals that high-level trade war dialogue with US goes on as negotiators schedule January meeting.
US pressures China to allow unmonitored access to Tibet.
Duterte's Philippines drug war death toll rises above 5,000.
North Korean oil smugglers elude U.S. military.
AFRICA
Opposition leader Sadiq al-Mahdi greeted by thousands upon return to Sudan.
Clashes erupt after Congo vote campaigning halted in Kinshasa.
Nigeria's former defence chief killed amid growing insecurity.
DR Congo bans rallies in Kinshasa.
Madagascar votes in electoral battle between ex-presidents.
Zimbabwe post-election clashes: Inquiry condemns military action.
South Africa issues arrest warrant for Zimbabwe's Grace Mugabe over alleged assault.
Tanzania opposition vows fight against Magufuli 'dictatorship'.
Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz banned from performing.
Egypt to bail Amal Fathy, jailed for 'fake news' after harassment complaint.
EUROPE
U.S. imposes fresh Russia sanctions for election meddling.
100 days to Brexit, EU tells London: financiers on their own without a deal.
Brexit: European Commission presents 'no-deal' contingency plans.
Jeremy Corbyn accused of calling Theresa May a 'stupid woman'.
Belgian Prime Minister Michel resigns. Belgian PM Charles Michel resigns after no-confidence motion.
US Senators introduce resolution opposing Russian pipeline in Europe
Russians accepted $27M in bribes between Jan. and Oct., prosecutor says.
Sweden Democrats: Far right takes over Swedish countryside.
'Thousands' of EU diplomatic cables hacked, says report. European Union diplomatic communications 'targeted by hackers'.
AMERICAS
US Senate passes sweeping criminal justice reform bill.
Nikki Haley in farewell talk: U.N. 'hopelessly biased' on Israel.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is copping criticism for taking a 'self-care' break.
Trudeau says no 'stomping on table' over Canadians held in China.
Third Canadian detained in China, no link seen to earlier cases: Ottawa.
Maduro says Venezuela's civil militia grows to 1.6 million members.
Nicaragua pushes to silence critics amid US sanctions threat.
Cuba drops same-sex marriage language from new constitution.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
In response to Trump, Britain says Islamic State remains a threat.
Islamist threat lingers in Philippines despite Marawi victory.
Islamic State kill 700 in terror horror - 5000 jihadists holed up in Syria.
Isolating terrorists in jail hardens extremist beliefs, prisons study finds.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
U.S. stocks tumble on Fed tightening plans.
Fed hikes interest rates, slows future tightening path.
US and China trade negotiators will sit down together in January: US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Facebook gave more user data access to tech firms than previously known: report.
Pharma giants GSK, Pfizer join to create new healthcare company.
