Pentagon says not creating conventional 'border guard' in Syria

"The U.S. continues to train local security forces in Syria. The training is designed to enhance security for displaced persons returning to their devastated communities," the Pentagon said in a statement.

"It is also essential so that ISIS cannot reemerge in liberated and ungoverned areas. This is not a new "army" or conventional "border guard" force.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by James Dalgleish)