US military begins to pull equipment out of Syria - Pentagon

US-coalition spokesperson confirms the drawdown ordered by President Trump is now underway. However, it's unclear what the equipment is going, or from which parts of Syria it's being removed.

    US military vehicles in Syria's northern city of Manbij on December 30, 2018. (AFP)

 The US-led coalition against Daesh has started the process of withdrawing from Syria, a spokesman said on Friday

The coalition "has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria. Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troop movements," Colonel Sean Ryan said.

Earlier on Friday, a Pentagon official, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity, said, "I'm confirming that some of the equipment has started being pulled out of Syria". The official refused to elaborate upon what type of equipment was removed or which areas the movement was taking place in because of operational concerns.

A Department of Defense official also confirmed the development to AFP on Thursday.

"I can confirm the movement of equipment from Syria," the official said. "For security reasons, I am not going to provide further details at this time."