
Turkish and US forces, meanwhile, continue to conduct joint patrols in strategic region
The YPG/PKK terrorist group is reportedly in talks with Syria’s Assad regime on the proposed transfer of the northern city of Manbij to the latter, with both parties planning to provide local security.
Although some observers have claimed that the YPG/PKK has entirely withdrawn from Manbij, indications suggest that the group still maintains an active presence in the city.
Earlier this month, regime officials and YPG/PKK representatives from northeastern Iraq’s Qandil Mountain region held talks in Aleppo.
According to sources close to the meeting, attendees discussed means of opposing Turkish military intervention in northern Syria and the anticipated return of regime forces to Manbij.
The patrols come as part of a Turkish-U.S. agreement aimed at stabilizing Manbij and securing the YPG/PKK’s withdrawal from the area.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- of which the YPG is the Syrian branch -- has claimed some 40,000 lives, including women and children.
Ankara says the presence of terrorist groups near its border constitutes a clear and present threat and has launched a series of military operations with the stated aim of clearing the region of terrorist elements.
According to estimates, ethnic Arabs account for more than 90 percent of Manbij’s population.
Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected ferocity.
*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara
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