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Syria war: Pro-government forces 'enter Manbij' amid Turkey threats
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Related TopicsSyrian civil war
Image shows vehicles and structures of the US-backed coalition forces in the northern Syrian town of ManbijImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image caption
Turkey has previously threatened to attack US-allied Kurdish forces in Manbij
Syrian pro-government forces have entered the key northern city of Manbij for the first time in six years, an army spokesman has said.
A Kurdish militia controlling the area withdrew and invited Syrian forces to retake the city amid fears that Turkish troops would launch a new offensive.
Turkey considers the Kurdish YPG forces to be part of a terrorist group.
The request by the US-backed Kurds follows the shock announcement that all US troops are to withdraw from Syria.
President Donald Trump announced the pullout of some 2,000 troops last week, asserting that the Islamic State group (IS) had been defeated.
But that claim has been disputed by important allies who say the move could lead to a resurgence of IS.
Why the battle for northern Syria matters
Who are the Kurds
Why is there a war in Syria?
Presentational grey line
Effort to deter Turkey
By Martin Patience, Middle East Correspondent, BBC News
The consequences of President Trump's surprise announcement to withdraw all US troops from Syria are now being seen on the ground.
Manbij is a strategically important town in northern Syria that until today was under the control of US-backed Kurdish forces.
The Kurds - who led the fight against IS - see Mr Trump's decision as a betrayal.
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Media captionWas Trump right to say IS is beaten?
Without the support of the Americans, Kurdish leaders are now being forced to choose what they regard as the least bad option.
They will be hoping that the presence of the Syrian government army - which is backed by Russia and Iran - will deter Turkey from launching an attack.
Presentational grey line
What's the context?
Turkey has been intensifying its military activity near positions held by Kurdish fighters since President Trump's withdrawal announcement on 19 December.
US soldiers have been working closely with Kurdish forces who form part of an alliance - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - in the battle against IS.
But this policy has infuriated Turkey, which is battling the militia in the nearby city of Afrin.
Map showing who controls where in Syria, 19 December 2018
1 hour ago
Share this with Facebook Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share this with Email Share
Related TopicsSyrian civil war
Image shows vehicles and structures of the US-backed coalition forces in the northern Syrian town of ManbijImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image caption
Turkey has previously threatened to attack US-allied Kurdish forces in Manbij
Syrian pro-government forces have entered the key northern city of Manbij for the first time in six years, an army spokesman has said.
A Kurdish militia controlling the area withdrew and invited Syrian forces to retake the city amid fears that Turkish troops would launch a new offensive.
Turkey considers the Kurdish YPG forces to be part of a terrorist group.
The request by the US-backed Kurds follows the shock announcement that all US troops are to withdraw from Syria.
President Donald Trump announced the pullout of some 2,000 troops last week, asserting that the Islamic State group (IS) had been defeated.
But that claim has been disputed by important allies who say the move could lead to a resurgence of IS.
Why the battle for northern Syria matters
Who are the Kurds
Why is there a war in Syria?
Presentational grey line
Effort to deter Turkey
By Martin Patience, Middle East Correspondent, BBC News
The consequences of President Trump's surprise announcement to withdraw all US troops from Syria are now being seen on the ground.
Manbij is a strategically important town in northern Syria that until today was under the control of US-backed Kurdish forces.
The Kurds - who led the fight against IS - see Mr Trump's decision as a betrayal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Media captionWas Trump right to say IS is beaten?
Without the support of the Americans, Kurdish leaders are now being forced to choose what they regard as the least bad option.
They will be hoping that the presence of the Syrian government army - which is backed by Russia and Iran - will deter Turkey from launching an attack.
Presentational grey line
What's the context?
Turkey has been intensifying its military activity near positions held by Kurdish fighters since President Trump's withdrawal announcement on 19 December.
US soldiers have been working closely with Kurdish forces who form part of an alliance - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - in the battle against IS.
But this policy has infuriated Turkey, which is battling the militia in the nearby city of Afrin.
Map showing who controls where in Syria, 19 December 2018