ANKARA, Oct 5 (NNN-ANADOLU) – The U.S. and Turkish troops, held the third joint land patrol on Friday, in the planned safe zone in northern Syria.
“Turkish Armed Forces and the U.S. personnel started the third unified land patrol in the east of Telabyad, within the scope of the safe zone facility in eastern Syria, with the participation of land vehicles and UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles),” the ministry said.
Military activity came, one day after Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, and his U.S. counterpart, Mark Esper, held a phone conversation and discussed the efforts for the establishment of the proposed safe zone.
According to the Turkish Defence Ministry, Akar recalled that, Turkey wants a 30-km deep safe zone to be set up in the east of the Euphrates River in Syria. If there is stalling or a delay in the process, the joint efforts will be ended, Akar said.
On Aug 7, Turkish and U.S. officials agreed to set up a safe zone and develop a “peace corridor” in northern Syria, which would address Ankara’s security concerns about a Kurdish faction that controls the territory.
Turkish drones started operating in northern Syria as part of the agreement. Military officials from the two NATO allies also established a joint operation centre in Akcakale, on Aug 29.
Turkey and the United States held several joint helicopter flights over the planned safe zone. Turkey also flies F-16 fighter jets in the area.– NNN-ANADOLU
