Syrian Foreign Ministry urges US to leave country; otherwise they will be considered a hostile force
Deputy Foreign Minister of Syria Faisal Mekdad stated in an interview with the TV Station Al-Mayadeen on Sunday that the US military presence in Syria is "illegal and unacceptable," since it was not approved by the government of the Arab Republic. According to Mekdad, the US "should withdraw its military; otherwise the Syrian army will consider them as a hostile force."
"The actions of the United States and the coalition led by it have no justification, for they destroy Syria, killing civilians during airstrikes and destroying the economic infrastructure," the diplomat stressed. "This is in line with the terrorists' plans, but does not meet the Syrian people's interests."
Mekdad noted that "anyone who wants to fight terrorist groups should coordinate their actions with Syria and its allies."
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the battle for Deir ez-Zor, which is currently being conducted by Assad's troops, the "last great battle". "This city and province are very important for us, as they are located near the border with Iraq," Mekdad noted. "Therefore, the successes of the Syrian army is of a strategic nature, bringing us closer to defeating the gangs of the Islamic State terrorist group."
The US has established three military bases in the northeastern province of Al-Hasakah and another in Kobani. Approximately 1,500 American Special Forces support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are storming the city of Raqqa.