Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he wanted to "get out" of Syria and promised decisions soon, clashing with top advisers who spoke almost simultaneously about the hard work needed to defeat Daesh (ISIS). The remarks demonstrated how Trump appears increasingly willing to publicly push back against his top military advisers and those tied to the fight against the militant group, who see a long-term U.S. role in both Iraq and Syria.
U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, who oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East as the head of Central Command, estimated that more than 90 percent of the group's territory had been taken back from the militants by U.S.-backed forces.
The assault has killed more than 1,600 civilians.
The ultimatum to the rebels of eastern Qalamoun was served to civilians from the area during a meeting with a Russian colonel and an officer from the Syrian Air Force Intelligence, rebel spokesman Said Saif told Reuters.
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