Fatal blast renews debate on US presence in Syria

The killing of two US soldiers and two US civilians in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State state in Syria has reopened a debate on the presence of the United States in the war-ravaged country.

Two US service members, along with a contractor and a civilian working for the US Department of Defense, died in the blast in the north Syrian city of Manbij, and three other US citizens were injured, according to media reports.

More than a dozen civilians and Kurdish militia members also were killed.

US President Donald Trump announced last month that the US would withdraw its 2,000 troops from Syria, although his National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seemed to walk back the timetable for the move.

There is a contingent that believes the US should maintain a permanent presence in Syria. General James Mattis resigned as secretary of defense over the announcement of the pullback.

Senator Lindsey Graham said he is concerned that Trump’s statements about Syria have emboldened the IS and called on the president to reconsider his decision to withdraw US troops from the country.

Congressman Michael McCaul said: “I strongly urge the president to forcefully respond and ensure we do not withdraw our troops until the IS is completely destroyed.”