Iraq News

US will still lead fight against ISIS despite withdrawal: Pompeo

The US still plans to lead a global fight against the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) despite its withdrawal from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured allies on Wednesday (February 6th).

Opening a 79-nation conference in Washington on the fight against ISIS, Pompeo also called on other nations to do more -- including by funding Syria and Iraq and agreeing to bring home extremists jailed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

"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 ISIS is a reality," Pompeo said.

He described president Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria as "essentially a tactical change" as extremists scatter around the world.

"It is not a change in the mission," Pompeo said, adding "our fight will not necessarily always be military-led."

"We are entering an era of decentralised jihad so we must be nimble in our approach as well," he said.

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