US will still lead fight against Islamic State despite withdrawal from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says
- At a conference of 79 nations in Washington, Pompeo also called on other nations to do more to combat extremists
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The United States still plans to lead a global fight against Islamic State movement despite its withdrawal from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured allies on Wednesday.
Opening a 79-nation conference in Washington on the fight against the group also known as IS, Pompeo also called on other nations to do more – including by funding Syria and Iraq and agreeing to bring home extremists jailed by Syrian Kurdish allies.
“America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter,” Pompeo said.
“We ask each of your countries to stand with us and, through our efforts and God’s help, the day will come when the permanent defeat of IS is a reality,” Pompeo said.
He described Trump’s controversial order in December to withdraw all 2,000 US troops to Syria as “essentially a tactical change” and not a shift in commitments.
