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WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis resigned on Thursday, one day after President Trump announced plans to withdraw US troops from Syria.

Mattis said he plans to leave the White House in February. 

In his resignation letter, Mattis wrote: “Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.”

He also stated that the strength of the US depends on its alliances with other nations.

“One core belief I have always held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships. While the US remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies,” he added.

Pres. Trump announced Mattis’ departure on Twitter.

“General Jim Mattis will be retiring, with distinction, at the end of February, after having served my Administration as Secretary of Defense for the past two years,” Trump tweeted.

Trump said thanks Mattis for his service and said a replacement would be chosen soon.

Letter From Secretary James… by on Scribd

(Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty.)