Russia’s defense ministry reacted U.S. plans to maintain and increase its military presence in eastern Syria as international state banditry motivated by a desire to protect oil smugglers.

"Washington had no mandate under international or U.S. law to increase its military presence in Syria and said its plan was not motivated by genuine security concerns in the region," Russia defense ministry said in a statement

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday U.S would send mechanized forces to the Syrian oil fields in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of ISIL. (ILKHA)