US calls upon Germany to send ground troops to northern Syria

The United States called upon Germany to send ground troops to northern Syria, pushing Berlin to ramp up its military involvement in the fight against the Islamic State group as Washington looks to withdraw from the region. US Special representative on Syria,James Jeffrey told German media that they want ground troops from Germany to partly replace US soldiers in the area as part of the anti-IS coalition. Jeffrey, who was visiting Berlin for Syria talks, added that he expects an



answer this month.

 Last year US President Donald Trump declared victory against IS and ordered the withdrawal of all 2,000 American troops from Syria.

But a small number have remained in northeastern Syria, an area not controlled by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and Washington is pushing for increased military support from other members of the international coalition against IS.