Votel: Tens of thousands of IS elements spread in Syria and Iraq

NEWS DESK

Votel statements, according to the US station, were made to journalists accompanying him on his last trip to the Middle East, which last for two weeks, to meet the commanders of the area, before retiring after about 39 years of service with the US Army.

He said that there is an IS threat on areas of Syria and Iraq, adding that they are scattered and dispersed, but there are leadership and fighters and those who facilitating their work,"

"They still have the ability to access the sources, they are still observing this kind of ideology which support their goals"

Votel confirmed that US troops would withdraw from Syria under US President Donald Trump's decision, but he rejects to set a timetable for withdrawal

Votel's warning comes amid several similar statements by US military and intelligence officials warning of the danger of a US withdrawal from Syria and the possibility of IS return to control some areas.

Votel added "The US is likely to start withdrawing its ground forces from Syria within a few weeks, as ordered by President Donald Trump."

Votel who oversees the US troops in the Middle East confirmed that the forces' levels in Iraq will remain broadly stable.

He added, "We do not want to keep people on the ground, we do not need them and they do not have a real mission."

H/S

ANHA