Trump did not discuss Syria pullout with Erdogan in advance -U.S. official

WASHINGTON - 19 December 2018:President Donald Trump did not discuss in advance his decision to pull U.S. troops out of Syria with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday.

"The president made his own decision. It was not something he discussed with President Erdogan. He has informed President Erdogan of his decision," said the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

The official also said the United States believes the remaining pockets under Islamic State control in Syria can be eliminated by U.S. and remaining partner forces.