Mark Esper: U.S. forces will protect oil fields in Syria

Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The United States will reposition forces in Syria to protect oil fields from Islamic State militants there, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Friday.

Esper made the remarks in Brussels, where NATO defense ministers were meeting. He said the troops would include mechanized forces in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour.

Esper didn't provide further details on the numbers or types of troops that would be included. He said the United States would continue to pull troops from Syria.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump tweeted, "The Oil Fields discussed in my speech on Turkey/Kurds yesterday were held by ISIS until the United States took them over with the help of the Kurds. We will NEVER let a reconstituted ISIS have those fields!"

He also tweeted, "Perhaps it is time for the Kurds to start heading to the Oil Region!"

Friday's announcement by Esper is the latest development following Trump's controversial decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria after a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A Turkish military offensive against U.S. ally Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces followed, before Vice President Mike Pence and Erdogan negotiated a cease-fire.

Esper called for an investigation into Turkish-backed militias who attacked Kurds.

During a visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday, Esper suggested the possibility of troops remaining to secure oil fields.

Trump claimed victory Wednesday and said sanctions against Turkey would be lifted.