Macron Commits To Staying In Middle East Through 2019

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will remain militarily engaged in the Middle East regardless of the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, reports Agence France-Presse. 

France's priority remains eliminating ISIS, Macron said on Thursday at an army base near Toulouse in southern France. 

Withdrawal could jeopardize the gains made against the terrorist group, he said. 

"We are staying invested to participate in the stabilization of the region," he said, as quoted by France 24. 

France has deployed 1,200 troops to Iraq and Syria in an effort to eradicate ISIS. Troops have conducted training, air support and offensive missions against ISIS. 

Macron has previously criticized Washington's intention to withdraw its forces from eastern Syria.