The United States has begun coordinated but independent patrols with Turkey near the volatile northern Syrian city of Manbij, the Pentagon confirmed to VOA on Monday.
We are patrolling on one side and they are patrolling on the other, defense spokesman Eric Pahon told VOA on Monday. These patrols are not joint.
Turkeys armed forces confirmed the American and Turkish independent patrol activities via Twitter earlier in the day.
Pahon said the purpose of the patrols was to support long-term security in Manbij and uphold its commitments to NATO-ally Turkey.
Earlier this month, Turkey and the United States endorsed a road map to overcome months of dispute over the city.
The two countries have disagreed over U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara views as a terrorist organization.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters on June 11 that collaboration between the United States and Turkey along the forward line of troops would first include patrols on each side saying, Yes, I see you. You see me.
