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US Syria pullout 'harms anti-IS fight' Syria's Kurds say US pullout 'harms anti-IS fight'
(35 minutes later)
A US-backed alliance in Syria says President Donald Trump's surprise decision to withdraw US troops will allow the Islamic State (IS) group to recover. A Kurdish-led alliance in Syria says President Donald Trump's surprise decision to withdraw US troops will allow the Islamic State (IS) group to recover.
A statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned of a military vacuum that would leave the alliance trapped between hostile parties. A statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned of a military vacuum that would leave the alliance trapped between "hostile parties".
Mr Trump made the announcement on Wednesday, saying IS had been defeated.Mr Trump made the announcement on Wednesday, saying IS had been defeated.
However, major allies have disputed the claim.However, major allies have disputed the claim.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. A US partnership with the SDF - an alliance of Syrian Kurdish and Arab fighters - is credited with playing a major role in the virtual elimination of IS after it overran large swathes of Syria four years ago.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. About 2,000 US troops have largely been stationed in the Kurdish region in northern Syria.
The SDF statement warned that the withdrawal would "negatively impact" the anti-IS campaign and allow the group "to revive itself again".
It said the US move would have "dangerous implications" for regional stability and "create a political and military vacuum... leaving its people between the claws of hostile parties".
Neighbouring Turkey has said it is poised to launch a military operation against the Kurdish YPG militia - the main fighting force in the SDF - which it regards as a terrorist group.
US support for the group has strained relations between Washington and Ankara.
What has the US announced?
The Pentagon said it was transitioning to the "next phase of the campaign" to eliminate IS but did not provide further details.
President Trump, who has long pledged to pull troops out of Syria, said on Twitter that it was time to bring them home after their "historic victories".
The White House would not give a timescale for the withdrawal but defence officials quoted by the New York Times said President Trump wanted it done within 30 days.