YPG terror group positions abandoned in Syria’s Manbij

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA

Abandoned YPG terror group positions have been spotted along the route of Turkish army's patrol in Manbij, a northern Syrian city, according to Turkish security sources.

The sources, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said Turkish and American patrolling is being conducted in accordance with meetings between the military officials of the two countries.

While patrolling in Manbij continues, YPG terror group's abandoned positions, which are on the route of Turkish army's patrol, can be seen in the city, the sources said.

Prior to the implementation of Manbij plan, Turkish and the U.S. officials met in Turkish capital Ankara at the first coordination meeting in early May.

On May 16, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford and his Turkish counterpart Gen. Hulusi Akar agreed on Manbij Security Principles in Brussels.

On June 12-13, Turkish and U.S. military officials agreed on a plan for ridding terrorists and stabilizing the northern Syrian city of Manbij during a preliminary meeting for implementation of the plan at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

On June 18, Turkish and the U.S. troops started coordinated/independent patrols in the region, which are still ongoing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish Armed Forces began a second round of patrolling in Manbij as part of the objective to rid the area of the YPG/PKK terror group.

The Manbij deal, which was made between Turkey and the U.S., focuses on the withdrawal of PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the northern Syrian city in order to stabilize the region.

In the coming stages, the Manbij deal aims that a joint Turkey-U.S. patrol in the region is launched; the U.S. officials collect the heavy weapons of the YPG members, all terror members leave Manbij.

It also aims that the local administration and security forces, which will be formed by Turkey and the U.S., secure the peace and stability in the city.

Should the model prove to be a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.