7 February

US President Donald Trump says he expects an announcement as early as next week that the US-led coalition has reclaimed all the areas held by the Islamic State militant group in Syria. He reiterated his intention to withdraw US troops from the country.

Trump was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting of ministers from the member nations of the US-led coalition that is fighting Islamic State militants.

Trump said that over the past two years, the coalition has recaptured over 50,000 square kilometers of territory held by the extremist group.

He said he is looking forward to welcoming brave fighters back to their homes from Syria.

In a report released on Monday, the US Defense Department warns that the Islamic State group would likely regain power in Syria within a period of six to 12 months if the ongoing pressure on it is lost.

Some Republican Party lawmakers have expressed concern about a hasty withdrawal of troops from Syria.

NHK