Trump takes "extremely heavy decision" to pull troops from Syria: French Def Min

U.S. President Donald Trump took "a heavy extremely heavy decision" to pull troops from Syria, France armed forces minister said on Friday.

"We do not share the analyses that the territorial caliphate (of Islamic State) has been annihilated," Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on RTL radio. "It's an extremely heavy decision and we think ... the job must be finished."

Parly also paid tribute to outgoing U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, describing him as a "great soldier" and "partner for all occasions" after he abruptly announced his resignation on Thursday over differences with Trump on Syria.