Mattis: Training for Joint Patrols with Turkey in Syria to Start Soon
Last month, United States began 'coordinated but independent patrols' with Turkey near volatile northern Syrian city of Manbij
PENTAGON — U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says equipment has landed at a base in Turkey to prepare Turkish troops for joint patrols with U.S. forces in northern Syria. "Training equipment has landed in Incirlik," Mattis told reporters Friday at the Pentagon, referring to a strategic air base in southern Turkey used by American forces. Mattis said the training should start within weeks. "I don’t think we’re talking months," he said. It is unclear when U.S. and Turkish forces would start conducting the joint patrols in Syria once training of Turkey's troops is complete. Last month, the United States began "coordinated but independent patrols" with Turkey near the volatile northern Syrian city of Manbij. The city houses Kurdish militia fighters. Washington supports the Kurdish fighters there, while Ankara says they are anti-Turkey terrorists. The Pentagon says the purpose of the patrols are to support "long-term security in Manbij" and uphold its commitments to NATO-ally Turkey.