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Mattis: Training for Joint Patrols with Turkey in Syria to Start Soon

by Carla Babb

   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.

   Carla is VOA's Pentagon correspondent covering defense and
   international security issues. Her datelines include Ukraine, Turkey,
   Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea.