Newsbrief: U.S. to deploy hundreds of troops to guard oil fields in Syria

(Photo: The New York Times)

by Rebekah Hazleton
edited by Bailey Matteson

President Donald Trump contradicted his previous military strategy to remove US troops from Syria by sending some back to protect the oil fields, according to The New York Times.

On October 6, Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops from Syria due to an expected Turkish invasion. On October 25, Trump reversed his statement and said some troops would remain in Syria to protect the oil fields located within the Kurdish Region.

“And we’re going to be protecting it, and we’ll be deciding what we’re going to do with it in the future,” said President Trump, referring to the oil fields.

When the US’ Kurdish allies expressed the fear that they would not be able to defend themselves against Turkish forces, Trump did not send additional troops to aid in their defense. However, when the threat of ISIS controlling Syrian oil fields became evident, about 500 US troops were sent to protect them.

The mission to remain in control of the Syrian oil fields helps prevent the Islamic State from gaining revenues from oil. The Kurdish allies remained concerned with their protection from Turkey.

“We looked at the oil fields in the context of their strategic value,” said General Joseph Votel, the former commander of the United States Central Command. Votel believes the fields will be a point of leverage for further discussions between the Kurdish militia and the Syrian government.

The US troops will protect the oil fields and fight the Islamic State simultaneously.