Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Russia Says US Presence in Syria Illegal, Protects Oil Smugglers

Reuters

   MOSCOW - Russia's defense ministry on Saturday attacked U.S. plans to
   maintain and boost the American military presence in eastern Syria as
   "international state banditry" motivated by a desire to protect oil
   smugglers and not by real security concerns.

   U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday Washington would send
   armored vehicles and troops to the Syrian oil fields in order to
   prevent them from falling into the hands of Islamic State militants.

   His comments came after President Donald Trump earlier this month
   pulled some 1,000 U.S. military personnel out of northeast Syria, a
   move that prompted Turkey to launch a cross-border incursion targeting
   the Kurdish YPG militia, a former U.S. ally against Islamic State.

   Trump's decision drew an angry backlash from Congress, including key
   Republicans who saw the pullout as a betrayal of the Kurds and a move
   that could bolster Islamic State.

   In a statement, Russia's defense ministry said Washington had no
   mandate under international or U.S. law to increase its military
   presence in Syria and said its plan was not motivated by genuine
   security concerns in the region.
   

References

   Visible links
   Hidden links:
   1. file://localhost/middle-east/time-will-tell-russias-middle-east-power-play

.