Trump claims military defeat of Daesh

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S.-led coalition has succeeded in militarily defeating the Daesh terrorist group.

"We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," Trump said on Twitter using another name for Daesh.

The announcement follows reports the U.S. is preparing to withdraw its roughly 2,000 troops from northeastern Syria where they have been working to defeat Daesh.

The White House and the National Security Council have not responded to Anadolu Agency's request for comment. Multiple reports said a formal announcement could occur as soon as Wednesday.

If true, the reports appear to contradict past statements from top Trump administration officials, including National Security Advisor John Bolton, who insisted the U.S. would maintain its military posture in the country until Iranian forces left Syria.

The report follows a military operation in northeastern Syria vowed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against the YPG/PKK.

The U.S. had warned against such an operation as it works alongside the YPG-led SDF, which is fighting Daesh in its last remaining major foothold in eastern Syria.