US, Turkey Generals Discuss Observation Posts In Northeast Syria - Joint Staff

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford spoke by phone with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler about US military observation posts in northeast Syria amid Ankara's announcement of an upcoming operation against the Kurds in the area, the Joint Chiefs said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th December, 2018) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford spoke by phone with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler about US military observation posts in northeast Syria amid Ankara's announcement of an upcoming operation against the Kurds in the area, the Joint Chiefs said in a press release.

"Gen. Dunford emphasized that the observation posts will continue to focus on and deter threats from Syria toward the Turkish southern border," the release said. "In addition, he reiterated that the US remains committed to coordinating efforts with Turkey to bring stability to northeastern Syria."

On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Erdogan announced a planned military operation targeting Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria - some of which are backed by the United States and located near US service members operating in the region.

The Pentagon said following the announcement that a Turkish unilateral military operation in northeast Syria would be "unacceptable" and urged Turkey to coordinate any military action with Washington.

The Pentagon confirmed earlier that day that US observation posts in northern Syria, meant to prevent altercations between the Turkish army and US-supported Kurdish militia, have been erected, despite Ankara's request to scrap the move.

US-Turkish relations have suffered a setback amid Turkey's concerns over US support for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Ankara has also repeatedly accused Washington of failing to fulfill its promises regarding the withdrawal of the YPG from Syria's Manbij.