US says it will remain present in eastern Syria

The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain's capital on Sunday.

Speaking hours after Syrian rebels announced they had toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime, Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms.

Reporting by Reuters