The United States will maintain around 600 troops in Syria, Pentagon chief Mark Esper said on Wednesday, despite Donald Trump's desire to end US involvement in what the president calls "endless wars".

US to maintain around 600 troops in Syria: US defence secretary Mark Esper

The Pentagon is considering keeping some US troops near oilfields in northeastern Syria alongside Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to help deny oil to Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday.

US mulls leaving some troops in Syria to guard oil: Pentagon

Key developments in Turkey's offensive in Syria

Turkey's defence ministry said today that one its soldier was killed during clashes with Kurdish militia in the northern Syria operation as it continued its push across the border.

First Turkish soldier killed during Syria operation: Defence ministry

Ankara said it had killed 25 Kurdish 'terrorists' but a rights group said at least 40 civilians were killed in Turkish shelling & air raids

Dozens killed as Turkey ramps up offensive in Syria