Americans deterrence in Syria

The US military has since last week in and around the Syrian city of Manbij stationed a small number of soldiers.

Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said ' a visible signal for deterrence and reassurance. ' In Manbij fighting Syrian rebels backed by Turkey against IS, but also fighters of the Kurdish YPG militia. The latter are associated with the United States, but Turkey regards them as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The Military Council of Manbij, where the YPG part, meanwhile, has some transferred to IS conquered villages on Syrian government forces. The transfer follows an agreement with Russia to prevent would try to take Manbij rebels backed by Turkey. Russia is an ally of the Syrian government.