Turkey, Russia start joint patrols in northern Syria

Turkish and Russian troops are jointly patrolling a Syrian region under a deal that halted a Turkish incursion against Kurdish fighters. The patrols aim to check that all fighters have moved back from the Turkish border.

Turkish and Russian troops equipped with armoured vehicles and drones began joint ground patrols in north-eastern Syria on Friday, Turkey’s Defence Ministry tweeted.

The patrols are taking place under a deal struck by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that requires Syrian Kurdish fighters to pull back 30 kilometres from the Turkish border.

The patrols aim to ensure the fighters have withdrawn and to secure the area. Russia has previously said the withdrawal is complete.

Turkish and Russian troops began their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria
A handout picture provided by Turkish Defense Minister press office shows Turkish armed heavy vehicles patrol with Russian troops (not pictured), in the Darbasiyah district of Hasakah, in Northern Syria, 01 November 2019. Turkish and Russian troops began their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria after agreement between Turkey and Russia. EPA-EFE/TURKISH DEFENSE MINISTRY PRESS OFFICE 

Via DW

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