White House Signals U.S. Will Stay in Syria After Trump Calls for Quick Exit

U.S. seeks to eradicate remaining Islamic State presence
Top Trump advisers suggested U.S. still has role in Syria

A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by US special forces, talks on the radio near Raqa's stadium as they clear the last positions on the frontline on October 16, 2017 in the Islamic State (IS) group jihadists crumbling stronghold.
Photographer: BULENT KILIC/AFP via Getty Images

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By Bill Faries and Jennifer Epstein

April 4, 2018 at 4:15 PM UTC

Updated on

April 4, 2018 at 5:24 PM UTC

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The White House signaled the U.S. is committed to keeping troops in Syria to fight Islamic State, a day after President Donald Trump said he wants to get out of the seven-year civil war “very soon” and “bring the troops back home.”

“The United States and our partners remain committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in Syria that our forces have not already eradicated,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Wednesday, referring to Islamic State terrorists. “We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans.”