US, Turkey say plan reached to resolve rift over Syria town

File photo showing US special forces personnel working with Kurdish allies who played a key role in battles against Daesh in Syria. (AFP)

WASHINGTON: The United States and Turkey say they have agreed on a “roadmap” to resolve a rift between the two NATO allies over the strategic north Syrian town of Manbij.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. A joint statement from the two governments says they “endorsed a roadmap” that aims to “ensure the security and stability in Manbij.”
The statement included no details and the State Department had no immediate comment.
But Cavusoglu says US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia groups will withdraw from Manbij under a plan that could be implemented within six months. He says US and Turkish officials would temporarily ensure security in Manbij.
Kurdish-led forces captured Manbij from Daesh militants in 2016.