(CNN) The White House said Thursday that a small contingent of US troops will remain in Syria following President Donald Trump's order for a "full" withdrawal of the American military from the country.

"A small peace keeping group of about 200 will remain in Syria for (a) period of time," White House press secretary Sanders said in a statement.

In December, Trump ordered staff to execute the "full" and "rapid" withdrawal of US military from Syria, declaring that the US had defeated ISIS.

"We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," Trump tweeted at the time, drawing criticism from some lawmakers and surprising foreign allies.

One of the lawmakers who criticized Trump for his decision was GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina. However, Graham praised Trump Thursday for the decision to leave some troops behind as a peacekeeping force.

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