US names new envoy for int'l anti-Daesh role

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON

Ambassador James Jeffrey, the current special representative for Syria Engagement, will take the additional role of special envoy for the U.S.-led coalition against Daesh effective Friday, the State Department said.

Brett McGurk, who served in post for three years, resigned Dec. 22 following Trump’s decision to pull troops from Syria. The move also saw a resignation from defense chief James Mattis.

"With this additional responsibility, Ambassador Jeffrey will lead and coordinate U.S. Department of State relations with the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS and Department efforts to implement President Trump’s announcement of a responsible U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria," said Robert Palladino in a statement, using another name for Daesh.

The U.S. withdrawal comes on the eve of a possible Turkish military operation in northeastern Syria against the YPG/PKK terrorist group.

McGurk worked under the past three U.S. administrations, becoming one of a handful of those appointed by former U.S. President Barack Obama to keep his post under President Donald Trump. He also served in the George W. Bush administration.

*Michael Hernandez contributed to the story