Syria's Kurds reel from U.S. move, Assad seen planning next step

A woman gestures during a protest near the Syrian-Turkish border in Ras al-Ayn town, Syria December 20, 2018. REUTERS/Rodi Said

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Kurds, among the biggest winners of Syria's war, stand to lose most from a U.S. decision to withdraw forces who have helped them battle Islamic State militants and deter their adversaries Ankara and Damascus.

With U.S. help, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have captured large parts of northern and eastern Syria from Islamic State, but warn that the jihadists still pose a threat even if President Donald Trump has declared their defeat.