Syria: Russian troops patrolling areas vacated by Americans

Russia on Tuesday (local time) said its military units were patrolling the territory in northern Syria which was vacated by Americans.The Americans had vacated the area following the withdrawal order by US President Donald Trump.The New York Times reported that it underscored the sudden loss of US influence in the eight-year Syria war. The Americans had until Monday maintained two military bases in the area.This comes days after Turkey launched an offensive in Syria, a move that has invited international condemnation with several countries suspending their arms sales to Ankara over the issue. The move has also raised fears of a revival of the dreaded terrorist group ISIS.The US-based newspaper said Russia which is the most important ally of the Syrian government, was moving to fill the security void left by the withdrawal of both the American military and its partners in their effort to destroy the Islamic State and its Syrian base.President Trump's decision to vacate the area has ...