By Kasim Ileri </p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – The U.S. is sending additional troops to Syria to help provide protection to other American forces and their equipment as they withdraw from the country under a directive from President Donald Trump, a defense official confirmed Thursday. </p> <p>The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the number of troops being sent or their destination, citing security concerns. </p> <p>Another anonymous defense official asserted that more troops would be needed to ensure security ahead of any withdrawal. </p> <p>The Pentagon has yet to issue an official statement on the move.</p> <p>A spokesperson for the Defense Department, Sean Robertson, said Operation Inherent Resolve is implementing the "orderly withdrawal" from northeast Syria.</p> <p>"Troop numbers will fluctuate during this process. Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific troop movements or timelines," Robertson said in an emailed statement. </p> <p>He said the U.S. withdrawal "is based on operational conditions on the ground, including conversations with our allies and partners, and is not subject to an arbitrary timeline". </p> <p>Last month, Trump abruptly announced plans to withdraw all 2,000 American troops from the war-weary country, saying the U.S.-led coalition had succeeded in militarily defeating the Daesh terrorist group.

