The MMC’s Shervan Derwish tweeted that they are aware of the discussions and arrangements between the US and Turkey over joint patrols in the disputed area.
We confirm that we are aware of the joint patrols between the US military and the Turkish in #Manbij, which will be exclusively in a neutral zone, contrary to what promoted by the Turkish state
— Shervan Derwish (@shervanderwish) October 6, 2018
The MMC, the military council that was formed to lead the operation to liberate Manbij from ISIS in 2016 and is now responsible for securing the multi-ethnic city in northern Syria, is in daily consultation with the US over its plan with Turkey, Derwish said in an earlier statement published by the council.
Turkey and the US have carried out tens of coordinated but separate patrols since June. Turkish forces are patrolling in areas under the control of their allied Syrian militias and north of the Sajur River while the US troops are patrolling south of the river, according to Derwish. Turkish forces will remain confined to that same territory during the joint patrols.
The two militaries are now training together in Turkey in preparation for joint patrols.
“There is no plan for joint Turkish-US patrols within the city and its countryside,” said Derwish.
US Army Col. Sean Ryan confirmed when the separate patrols began that “Turkish soldiers will not go into Manbij.”
No date has been made public for when the joint patrols may begin.
Turkey alleges that the MMC and its partner civil council have ties with the Kurdish YPG and PYD, organizations Ankara believes are branches of the PKK.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly threatened military action against Manbij. This week the parliament extended its authorization for the military to conduct cross-border operations in Syria and Iraq.
