The decision is meant to accelerate the Raqqa operation but undermines the Turkish government’s view that the Syrian Kurdish group known as the Kurdish Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG) is an extension of a terrorist organization that operates in Turkey. Washington is eager to retake Raqqa, arguing that it is a haven for Isis operatives to plan attacks on the west. The officials described no firm timeline, with the American intention to provide the new weapons to the Syrian Kurds as soon as possible. The Turks have insisted that the Syrian Kurds be excluded from that operation, but US officials insisted there was no real alternative. The Kurdish group in Syria said 20 of its fighters and media activists were killed in the strike, which was followed by cross-border clashes.

Source: The Guardian May 09, 2017 21:22 UTC