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Graphic shows map of northeast Syria according to the Turkey-Russia deal, and location of oil fields that the U.S. says it aims to protect.
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MILITARY

Russia sends more troops to Syria

By Jordi Bou

October 25, 2019 - Russia has sent around 300 more troops to Syria under an accord between Ankara and Moscow which halted Turkey’s military incursion into northeast Syria, following the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement on October 22 that would transform the map of northeast Syria, installing their forces along the border and filling the void left by the withdrawal of American troops.

The Kurdish fighters, who once relied on the U.S. forces as protection from Turkey, were given a deadline of October 29 to retreat 30km from the Turkish border.

Claiming success, U.S. President Donald Trump said the cease-fire between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds will be permanent.

He said nearly all U.S. troops will be leaving Syria but some will remain to prevent oil fields in the Deir al-Zour region from falling back into hands of Islamic State (IS) militant group.

The move represents an acknowledgement that IS remains a threat despite Trump’s declaration that the militant group has been vanquished.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 25/10/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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