Kurdish fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) head a convoy of U.S military vehicles in the town of Darbasiya next to the Turkish border, Syria April 28, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said/File Photo
Reuters: U.S.-led coalition says it has started Syria withdrawal
QAMISHLI, Syria (Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State has begun the process of withdrawing from Syria, a spokesman said on Friday, indicating the start of a U.S. pullout that has been clouded by mixed messages from Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement last month that he had decided to withdraw 2,000 U.S. troops stunned allies that have joined Washington in the battle against Islamic State in Syria. Senior U.S. officials were shocked too, among them Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who quit in protest.
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MIDDLE EAST
US starts withdrawing supplies, but not troops, from Syria. US begins withdrawing gear from Syria, but not troops.
Pompeo: U.S. wants 'every last Iranian boot' out Of Syria.
Turkey says its Syria offensive against Kurdish fighters doesn’t hinge on US pullout.
Turkey orders arrest of more than 100 military suspects over suspected Gulen ties.
UN, US urge restraint in Yemen after drone attack.
Refinery blaze in Yemen's Aden 'sabotage': official.
Baghdad's 'Green Zone' reopens.
US to host Iran-focused summit in Poland next month.
US lawmakers demand accountability for killing of Saudi journalist.
Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun who fled family granted asylum by Canada: Thai authorities.
ASIA
'The whole country is a prison': No sign of better rights in North Korea - U.N..
North Korea’s Kim looking to ‘achieve results’ with Trump in 2nd summit amid nuclear standoff.
Xi Jinping accepts offer to visit Pyongyang, North Korea state media says.
South Korea, Japan cooperate on North Korea despite tensions.
France to join North Korea surveillance at sea.
Taiwan: Tsai names new premier after resignation over poll losses.
Pakistan arrests five people over attack on Chinese consulate.
Myanmar Reuters journalists lose appeal against 7-year sentence.
AFRICA
Morocco complains to UN of W. Sahara truce violations.
Russia, China push UN to stay out of DR Congo poll dispute.
Runner-up in Congo election says he beat official winner by wide margin.
DRC opposition candidate Fayulu to file election result challenge.
Sudan: Police fire tear gas as hundreds protest against Bashir.
Sudan protests: Amnesty decries government attack on hospital.
Former U.S. envoy advised Sudanese military plotting to overthrow al-Bashir: report.
S.Africa's ANC gears up for election under new leader.
Mugabe: Suitcase of cash stolen from ex-Zimbabwe leader.
EUROPE
Brits to vote again? Brexit delay creates headache for Europe.
Macedonia approves deal to rename itself North Macedonia.
Russia, US working on meeting on INF Treaty, diplomat confirms.
Russia's media watchdog accuses BBC of spreading 'terrorist ideologies' in latest in a tit-for-tat row over impartiality.
French Yellow Vest protesters threaten to set off bank run with mass cash withdrawals and 'get our bread back' from the government.
Merkel visits Greece in show of 'EU solidarity' amid protests.
Kiev suggests 3 mln Ukrainians living in Russia should vote on Ukrainian territory.
Romania's EU presidency overshadowed by corruption cases.
Winter storms that killed 17 will keep dumping on Germany, Austria.
AMERICAS
Trudeau says China ignored 'diplomatic immunity' in detaining Canadian.
Trump holds back on emergency declaration in border row.
Trump promises citizenship path for skilled workers.
Border wall funds could be diverted from a pool meant for Puerto Rico, Texas and other areas hit by disasters.
Graham: Time for Trump to declare national emergency for border wall.
Pentagon briefs senators on Syria plans, leaving unanswered questions.
US Senators say questions remain on Trump strategy in Syria after briefing.
FBI agents say the shutdown is a threat to national security.
Veterans welcome? Less than 2 percent of Capitol Hill staffers have military experience.
Venezuela's Maduro starts second term in isolation.
Nicaragua closer to new civil war than ever before, judge warns.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Syria's war: Life in al-Bab after ISIL.
Netherlands narrowly escaped a major terrorist attack with dozens of deaths – prosecutors.
MI5 to face inquest questions over London Bridge terrorist attack.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stocks drift in a quiet close to another winning week.
'Right in the middle of the bullseye': SpaceX blasts ten satellites into orbit and makes a perfect landing on its drone ship.
Oil prices fall as traders take profits after 9-day winning streak.
Google's parent company Alphabet sued over sexual misconduct policy.
Ex-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn indicted for breach of trust.
