Trump: US to protect YPG terrorists amid Syria pullout

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that as the U.S. withdraws from northern Syria it will not abandon its local allies, saying that he wanted to protect the YPG/PKK terrorist group.

Trump took issue with alleged oil sales to Iran being carried out by U.S. partners, but maintained Washington seeks to ensure their safety nonetheless.

"The Kurds, our partners, are selling oil to Iran," Trump told reporters about the YPG, the Syrian affiliate of the PKK terrorist group which has waged a more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, killing 40,000 people.

Trump said he did not approve of the oil sales.

"We want to protect the Kurds nevertheless," Trump added. "But I don't want to be in Syria forever. It's sand and death," he added.