President Donald Trump on Saturday said that U.S. troops and equipment will not be withdrawn from Syria.

U.S. troops in Syria

“We’re not pulling out of Syria,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “We’re going to keep the oil, and we’re going to keep the troops there to protect the oil.”

The statement marked a reversal from his earlier pledge to withdraw American forces from the country. Defense officials said the decision was based on strategic interests in the region.

Syria

Syria is a country in the Middle East with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Eblaite, Aramean, and Roman empires. It was a key center of early Christianity and later became part of the Islamic Caliphate, with its capital Damascus being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In modern times, Syria has faced significant challenges, including a devastating civil war that began in 2011, which has deeply affected its cultural heritage and population.

White House

The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., has been the official residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. Construction began in 1792 under President George Washington, and the building was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban. It has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including a major reconstruction after being burned by British forces during the War of 1812.