By Reuters
Syria condemned on Sunday joint US-Turkish patrols in a border strip in the northeast of the country, saying it was a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, an official statement said.
A Syrian flag flutters in central Damascus, Syria, September 15, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica/MANILA BULLETIN
Armed Turkish military vehicles crossed into Syria on Sunday and headed southwest with their US counterparts to begin planned joint patrols to establish a “safe zone” along a border region mainly controlled by Kurdish forces.
The move was also a violation of the “territorial integrity” of Syria, said the Syrian foreign ministry statement, referring to what the government considers attempts by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia to divide the country.