Number of U.S. diplomats in Syria doubled as Islamic State militants near military defeat

The number of U.S. diplomats in Syria has doubled as Islamic State militants near a military defeat, U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis said on Tuesday.

"Our diplomats, they are on the ground (and) have been doubled in number," Mattis said during a press conference in Paris with his French counterpart. "As we see the military operations become less, you'll see the diplomatic effort now able to take (root)," Mattis added.