Region

Turkish defence minister warns against vacuum of power in Syria

Reuters/Istanbul

February 23, 2019 | 11:08 AM

Turkey's Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar (L) walks with acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan (R) before a meeting at the Pentagon February 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. AFP

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told Pentagon officials during a visit to the United States that there must not be a vacuum of power during the withdrawal of US forces from Syria, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Saturday.

A senior administration official said on Friday Washington will leave about 400 US troops split between two Syrian regions, a reversal by President Donald Trump that could pave the way for US allies to keep troops in Syria.

By Reuters/Istanbul

February 23, 2019 | 11:08 AM