Russian military police began patrolling areas near the northern Syrian town of Manbij on Tuesday, as uncertainty continues over whether U.S. President Donald Trump will go through with his plan to withdraw U.S. forces and clear the way for a Turkish advance into the area.
A military police representative told Associated Press that the patrols aimed to ensure security in the area and monitor movements of militants.
The Manbij area fell under the control of Kurdish group the People’s Protection Units (YPG) after the international coalition’s victory over the Islamic State. Administration of the region was later turned over to military and civilian councils. Though these are said to be separate entities to the YPG, Turkey is not convinced that the group, which it views as a terrorist organisation, has left the area.
The Russian military police patrols have taken place in a changing route through villages around Manbij, but is understood not to have entered areas controlled by the military council.