Americans 'deterrence' in Syria

washington - The US military has since last week in and around the Syrian city of Manbij stationed a small number of soldiers. Their presence should ensure that the various parties are not going to attack, but continue to focus their attention on the group Islamic State, said a spokesman for the US Department of Defense.

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.