U.S. President Donald Trump arrives aboard Air Force One for campaign fundraising events in Southampton, New York, U.S., August 17, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has ended the development fund for Syria, urging "rich countries" to pay instead.
In a tweet, Trump said "the United States has ended the ridiculous 230 Million Dollar yearly development payment to Syria."
"Saudi Arabia and other rich countries in the Middle East will start making payments instead of the U.S.," he said. "I want to develop the U.S., our military and countries that help us!"
Earlier on Friday, the U.S. State Department said that the fund, which was targeted to support the stabilization initiative in Syria, has been ordered to be redirected, ramping up speculation that it would be withdrawn from the country.
U.S. former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced on Feb. 13 that the United States pledges 200 million U.S. dollars in support of the anti-IS coalition efforts and recovery commitment in Syria.
However, Trump reportedly ordered in March a hold on the funds, demanding more information on how the money is being used, and urging other countries to step up to the plate and pay more.
He also said that his country will withdraw its troops in Syria "very soon," triggering speculation of the U.S. possible retreat from Syria.
Syria has always denounced the U.S. military action in the country as uninvited aggression.
