US withdrawing hundreds of troops from Syria: New York Times
Military shuttering three of eight small operating bases, reducing levels to about 1,400, says report, citing 2 senior US officials
The US has started withdrawing hundreds of troops from northeastern Syria, the New York Times reported Thursday.
Citing two senior US officials, it said the military is shuttering three of its eight small operating bases in the northeast and reducing troop levels to about 1,400 from 2,000.
The officials said American commanders will assess whether to make additional cuts after 60 days.
Commanders have recommended keeping at least 500 troops in Syria, said one official.
The report said President Donald Trump has expressed "deep skepticism" about keeping US troops in Syria.
Trump said in late January that the US "will make a determination" on troops in Syria following a report that said he intends to withdraw American forces.
"I don't know who said that, but we'll make a determination on that," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We're not involved in Syria. Syria is in its own mess. They've got enough messes over there. They don't need us involved."
According to the New York Times, at least for now the reductions that started Thursday are based on ground commanders' recommendations to close and consolidate bases, and were approved by the Pentagon and its central command.
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