‘US not insisting on cooperation with Kurds in Raqqa fight’

Operation should be carried out with Arab forces and not the YPG, says Turkish defence minister

Last updated: November 01, 2018 | 00:48

1 MIN READ

Ankara: Turkey’s defence minister said on Thursday the United States is not insisting on the participation of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in the planned operation to drive Daesh from their Raqqa stronghold in Syria.

In comments to reporters, broadcast on Turkish television during a visit to Brussels, Fikri Isik said the operation should be carried out with Arab forces and not the YPG. He also said the US chief of staff would visit Turkey on Friday.

Syrian ethnic Kurds demonstrate after Friday prayers in the Syrian town of Qamishli April 8, 2011. The sign reads

Syrian Kurds stream from their war-torn country into Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. It provides a welcome respite from the fighting ravaging their home districts.

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