Turkey, US training for joint patrols in Manbij, Syria

By Selma Kasap

ANKARA

Soldiers from Turkey and the U.S. continue joint training on combined patrols in Manbij, northern Syria, the Turkish military said on Sunday.

The Turkish Armed Forces shared on its Instagram account two pictures where Turkish and U.S. soldiers are seen together during training.

Earlier this week, Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has announced the beginning of joint training.

"As of today the Turkish and U.S. Armed Forces began joint training on combined patrolling activities, which will be held in the region, as part of the Manbij Roadmap and Security Principles," Akar told Anadolu Agency.

The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of terrorist YPG/PKK forces from the city to stabilize the region, which is in the northeast of the Aleppo province in northern Syria.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken 40,000 lives, including many women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.