Just two days ago President Donald Trump claimed the final battle with ISIL (ISIS) forces in Syria would end by Wednesday night. But on Friday people near the battle reported fighting continues.
In his usual dramatic fashion, Trump held up maps on Wednesday. And Friday the White House announced the 100% elimination of ISIS in Syria.
The message came via Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Air Force One.
But the announcement came as a surprise to those in Syria like MSNBC field reporter Matt Bradley.
CNN's foreign correspondent made a similar report.
The foreign correspondents detailed ongoing hostilities in the area of Eastern Syria.
People were critical of the premature announcement by the White House.
And some saw the announcement before an actual victory as harmful.
People feared it would be used as motivation for remaining forces in Syria.
Meanwhile the President quoted Fox News as the only major domestic or foreign news organization that backed his story.
The President then offered a warning.
But even that message received considerable pushback.
With continued fighting confirmed, the status of ISIS in Syria remains undetermined.
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