File Photo: The U.S. flag flutters on a military vehicle in Manbej countryside, Syria May 12, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that U.S. troops would withdraw from Syria prudently, while at the same time continue to fight against the Islamic State (IS).
"We will be leaving at a proper pace while at the same time continuing to fight ISIS and doing all else that is prudent and necessary!" Trump said on Twitter.
Trump also stressed that his decision on Syria has been consistent with his original statements, refuting a New York Times report on his intention on Syria.
Mercedes Schlapp, Trump's senior adviser for strategic communications, said on the same day that Trump has not changed position on Syria, adding that the Pentagon would draft the pullout plan to remove U.S. troops safely.
Trump's Syria pullout decision last month has led to opposition at home and concerns from allies.
Currently, there are about 2,000 U.S. troops deployed in Syria.