Russia calls increased US military presence in Syrian oil fields 'banditry'

The Russian government on Saturday criticized the U.S. for bolstering military resources in eastern Syria, calling the move an “act of international state banditry,” Rueters reports. 

The increased military presence in the area comes after U.S. Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperDirector of DHS cyber agency expecting ouster Senior DHS cybersecurity official to step down at end of week Progressive House Democrats urge Biden against Defense chief with contractor ties MORE said on Friday that Washington would send more troops and vehicles into the area to secure the local oil fields. The increased protection would reportedly ensure that fields were not overtaken by Islamic State (ISIS) insurgents. 

Reuters reports that in a statement released by Russia, the country claimed that the U.S. had no international legal jurisdiction to increase military presence around the oil fields. The statement went on to say that there was no real security threat in the area. 

“Therefore Washington’s current actions - capturing and maintaining military control over oil fields in eastern Syria - is, simply put, international state banditry,” the statement reads. 

The international squabble comes after President TrumpDonald John TrumpBiden has spoken with some GOP senators, chief of staff says Trump told advisers he could announce 2024 bid shortly after certification of Biden win: report Ivy League cancels winter sports amid US COVID-19 pandemic surge MORE pulled 1,000 troops out of the Turkey/Syria border earlier this month amid a Turkish offensive against Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish military faction. 

The removal of American troops sparked bipartisan upheaval, drawing criticism even from Trump’s most ardent supporters like Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP senators say Biden deserves intel briefings l Biden speaks with Democratic leaders about COVID l Where the Georgia runoffs stand Republicans join forces to raise cash for Georgia Senate runoffs Senate GOP calls grow to give Biden access to intelligence briefings MORE (R-S.C.) 

In a meeting earlier this week, Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinIn reversing 'America First,' Biden needs a multilateral strategy A new Putin worse than the old Putin? The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden calls Trump's refusal to concede an 'embarrassment' | Cunningham concedes in North Carolina | Georgia Senate runoffs get underway MORE carved up the northeastern Syrian border to rid the 19-mile strip of land of Kurdish militia.