Turkish, American defense ministers discuss Syria on the phone

ANKARA

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar

Turkish and American defense ministers Hulusi Akar and James Mattis exchanged a phone conversation late Aug. 7 to discuss an ongoing bilateral agreement on the Manbij province in Syria and the fight against terrorism, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. 

The phone conversation came as a high-level Turkish delegation departed for the United States to talk about potential solutions to scores of bilateral issues, including the continued detention of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson.

Turkey and the U.S. are implementing a deal brokered in early June for the withdrawal of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij with the objective of clearing the area from terrorists in the first week of September.

Although Turkish and American troops in the region are conducting patrolling activities in regions surrounding Manbij, they have not begun joint military moves within the city. However, necessary training for a joint Turkish-American patrol on the frontlines of Manbij has not yet started.