In another development, the US military will continue its air campaign in Syria, at least in the short term, despite President Trump’s declaration of victory over the Islamic State. Pentagon spokeswoman Commander Rebecca Rebarich said the US will continue its air war while American soldiers remain in Syria, but did not say if the campaign would continue afterward. As long are there are troops on the ground, the US will conduct air strikes in support of the forces, Rebecca said, but refused to speculate on future operations beyond that.

The same day, at a UN Security Council meeting, the US pledged to completely eliminate the Islamic State in Syria and pressed for a withdrawal of all Iranian-backed forces.