Trump 'slowing down' planned withdrawal from Syria, senator says

Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army soldiers wait stationed near the northern Syrian city of Manbij. Photo / AP

US President Donald Trump has ordered a slowdown to the withdrawal of US forces in Syria, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said.

"I think we're in a pause situation," the South Carolina Republican said outside the White House after lunch with the President.

Trump announced this month that he was ordering the withdrawal of all roughly 2000 troops from war-torn Syria, with aides expecting it to take place swiftly.

The President had declared victory over Isis (Islamic State) in Syria, though pockets of fighting remain.

Graham had been an outspoken critic of Trump's policy, which had drawn bipartisan criticism. The announcement also had shocked lawmakers and American allies, including Kurds who have fought alongside the US against Isis and face an expected assault by Turkey.

"I think we're slowing things down in a smart way," Graham said, adding that Trump was very aware of the plight of the Kurds.

Critics had contended that the US withdrawal would embolden Iran and Russia, which have supported the Government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

National security adviser John Bolton was expected to travel to Israel and Turkey next weekend to discuss the President's plans with the American allies.

Kurdish Syrian forces at the weekend asked the Assad Government for protection against a Turkish attack on a flashpoint town.

A delegation of Syrian troops erected the national flag over buildings in the outskirts of Manbij after the invitation - the first time it has flown in the northern town for more than six years. However, there was no sign of any official takeover.

- AP, Telegraph Group