U.S. Army General Joseph Votel
The head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday said training for a joint Turkish-American patrol on the frontline of the northern Syrian city of Manbij will soon start.
"As part of the diplomatic road map, we will soon begin the necessary training to conduct joint combined patrols along portions of the demarcation line in this extremely complex environment," said Gen. Joseph Votel, referring to the Manbij roadmap.
The head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday said training for a joint Turkish-American patrol on the frontline of the northern Syrian city of Manbij will soon start.
Training for joint Turkey-US patrol to start: US
The roadmap which was announced last month after a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo, focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from Manbij and stability in the region.
The Turkish army on Wednesday conducted its 16th round of patrols in the city as part of the deal with the U.S.
The Turkish army on Wednesday conducted its 16th round of patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij as part of a deal with the U.S. to rid the area of terror group YPG/PKK.In a written statement, Turkish General Staff said the forces of both countries coordinated patrols in the region between areas liberated by Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield and Manbij.The first patrols by Turkish and U.S. troops in the region began on June 18.Turkish business body to open branch in SyriaErdoğan, Trump emphasise importance of Manbij roadmapThe Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives, including those of women and children. The YPG/PKK is its Syrian branch.Should the Manbij model prove a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.Turkey has said the presence of terror forces near its border constitutes a threat and has launched military operations and other efforts to rid the region of terrorists.
Turkish army conducts 16th round of patrols in Manbij
In a written statement, the Turkish General Staff announced forces from both countries coordinated patrols in the region between areas liberated by Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield and Manbij. The first patrols began June 18.
Giving details via a teleconference call to reporters at the Pentagon, Votel said the U.S. continues coordinated patrols with Turkey to ensure long-term stability in the city and to implement a diplomatically agreed arrangement that addresses mutual security interests.
Turkish airstrikes “neutralized” five terrorists in the country’s southeastern Sirnak province, security sources said.Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media, did not specify the terror groups involved but Turkey is embroiled in a long-running struggle against PKK terror group in the area.Turkish army conducts 16th round of patrols in ManbijTurkish military neutralizes 8 terrorists in northern IraqAt least 53 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' across Turkey over past weekThe terrorists were planning an attack on security forces. The counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in the area, the sources added.The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.
Turkish airstrikes ‘neutralize’ five terrorists
A Turkish Foreign Ministry official on Monday dismissed a news report claiming complete withdrawal of PYD/YPG terrorist organization from Syria’s northeastern Manbij city.“We find it exaggerated the news claiming PYD/YPG has fully withdrawn from Manbij,” said the official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.The official said the process is ongoing, referring to patrols conducted in the region by Turkish and the U.S. troops separately, which started on June 18.“Withdrawal from the control zones on the patrol route is ongoing,” the Foreign Ministry official said, adding that the preparations for joint patrol continued.“So, the news saying that the PYD/YPG has fully withdrawn from the region doesn’t reflect the truth,” the official added.The last terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)'s Syrian affiliate, the PYD/YPG, left the northern town of Manbij had said earlier on Sunday, the terror group occupying the town said, fulfilling a longstanding Turkish demand that the YPG withdraw.Turkey objects to the presence of PKK/YPG in Syria near its border.A deal was reached between Ankara and Washington in early June, which focused on the withdrawal of the YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.The PYD/YPG is the Syrian branch of the PKK terror group, which has waged a campaign against Turkey for over a decade resulting in the death of 40,000 people, including women and children.The U.S. has supported the PKK/PYD along with several other terrorist groups under the umbrella of the SDF, causing tension with Ankara.Turkish army conducts 14th round of patrols in ManbijTurkey-US working group meets in Ankara
Reports of PYD/YPG withdrawal from Manbij dismissed
In a response to a question whether he was advised about any U.S.-Russian agreements and cooperation on Syria as a result of a summit this week between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Votel said CENTCOM had not received new guidance as a result of what happened in Finland.
He noted that current laws prohibit coordinating, synchronizing and collaborating with Russian forces – a move that needs approval from Congress.
"I have not asked for that at this point," he noted, adding that the U.S. continues communication and deconfliction with Russian commanders to ensure safety of American troops and compliance with U.S. international obligations.
Turning to Iran’s presence in Syria, Votel said the U.S. does not have a mission that is directly focused on Iran and the only intention the U.S. has right now is to defeat Daesh.
When asked whether CENTCOM supports the rapprochement between the YPG/PKK which uses the name of SDF, and the Syrian regime, he said the U.S. does not encourage the group to engage with the regime.
"But, of course, we do recognize the pragmatic reality that plays out on the ground. That is a fact of life in this particular area," he added.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives, including those of women and children. The PYD/YPG is its Syrian branch.
Should the Manbij model prove a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.
Turkey has said the presence of terror forces near its border constitutes a threat and has launched military operations and other efforts to rid the region of terrorists.