On 21 November, United States Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis announced the U.S. will set up new observation posts along the Turkish border in northern Syria in order to reduce similar incidences between Turkish forces and Kurdish militants in the region. The endeavor is seen as a way of easing tensions between the two NATO allies and doesn't require additional U.S. troops to be deployed to Syria.[17] The move is controversial due to U.S. lawmakers voicing concerns over mission creep in Syria in recent weeks and months.[18] A total of three observation posts were to be set up in Tal Abyad and two in Kobani. The first Tal Abyad post was completed on 27 November.[19] Three total observation posts were established by 12 December.