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DERBASIYEH: Turkey and Russia held a first joint patrol in northern Syria to verify whether Kurdish forces have withdrawn from the border as a part of the deal.
The patrols began near the border town of Derbasiyeh, where Kurdish fighters have already pulled out.
It follows an agreement that Russia and Turkey signed last week, which gave Kurdish forces 150 hours to withdraw from territory along Syria’s border with Turkey.
Also read: Syrian Kurds begin forces withdrawal from Turkey’s border
The patrols add to the complicated mix of forces operating along the frontier, including US troops who inspected an eastern section for the first time since US President Donald Trump said last month that his country was withdrawing.
The Russian army in a statement said that the guard consisted of nine vehicles, protected by an armoured personnel carrier, covering more than 110 kilometres.
Also read: US warns Turkey for heading in ‘wrong direction’ over Syria
Turkey intends to set up a safe zone 30 kilometres deep, in which some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it is hosting could be resettled.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he would consider the proposal, stressing the need for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees.
Also read: No more invasion in Syria as Kurds leave border: Turkey
Last week’s Sochi agreement between Ankara and Moscow halted a Turkish operation launched against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria on 9th October which left hundreds dead and prompted tens of thousands to flee their homes.
Under the deal, Turkey is to assume control over one 120 kilometre wide section in the centre of the border, while Syrian government forces are to deploy to the east and west.
Also read: Turkey to resume Syria offensive if truce deal falters: Erdogan
