U.S. Central Command says American troops will not leave Manbij in northern Syria

As the fight between Turkish forces (and FSA) and YPG militants in Afrin escalates the tension between Turkey and the U.S. seems to show a risk of climbing. CNN International reported that the Washington administration would not withdraw from Manbij.

The United States which has responded negatively to the demand of Ankara is cooperating with YPG terrorists in the western part of the Euphrates River. General Joseph Votel, number one of the US Central Command, said they did not consider leaving Manbij. YPG had settled in Manbij 40 km from the Turkish border in the summer of 2016.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had said on Saturday that the U.S. had to end its connection with a terrorist organization, and see to it they leave and return the weapons supplied by the U.S. completely. He had also added they should withdraw from Manbij, immediately.

The US set up a front with the PKK’s Syrian extension YPG to take out the terrorist organization IŞID from the region. Despite opposition from Turkey, the Pentagon supported PYG by supplying thousands of trucks load of weapons

Turkey on the other hand had started the “Olive Branch” operation on January 20 to clean Afrin region from YPG militants.