PKK/PYD to leave Manbij to Syrian regime, Russia says

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

PKK/PYD units will leave Syria's northern city of Manbij to the Bashar al-Assad regime, a Russian military commander said on Friday.

In a media briefing released by Russia's defense ministry, Lt. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy said the Syrian army would reach Manbij, which is currently under control by the PKK/PYD.

Rudskoy also said the Syrian government would administer state affairs in Manbij and the surrounding areas starting from Friday.

Turkey's Defense Minister Fikri Isik told journalists on Friday: "Previously, Daesh left some places to the [Syrian] regime. Now, as we can see, the PYD and the YPG left some places to the regime."

Manbij, an Arab-populated city on the western bank of the Euphrates River, has been controlled by PYD forces, which Turkey regards as a terror group and an offshoot of the PKK which Ankara has been fighting for several decades.

Turkey has insisted PYD elements must leave Manbij and withdraw east of the Euphrates.

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

PKK/PYD units will leave Syria's northern city of Manbij to the Bashar al-Assad regime, a Russian military commander said on Friday.

In a media briefing released by Russia's defense ministry, Lt. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy said the Syrian army would reach Manbij, which is currently under control by the PKK/PYD.

Rudskoy also said the Syrian government would administer state affairs in Manbij and the surrounding areas starting from Friday.

Turkey's Defense Minister Fikri Isik told journalists on Friday: "Previously, Daesh left some places to the [Syrian] regime. Now, as we can see, the PYD and the YPG left some places to the regime."

Turkey has insisted PYD elements must leave Manbij and withdraw east of the Euphrates.