Pentagon: We continue to keep communication lines with Turkey open

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder answered questions regarding Syria during a daily press briefing.

When asked about the U.S. position on the protests by the local Arab population against PKK/YPG terrorist elements in certain parts of Syria, and whether this poses a threat to U.S. forces, Ryder stated, "We acknowledge that the situation in Syria is currently fragile. U.S. forces have been working closely with the SDF for years on the mission to defeat ISIS, particularly regarding the post-(Bashar) Assad regime period, and that remains our focus."

Emphasizing that he would not comment on Syria's internal politics, Ryder said, "I am not going to speak on behalf of the SDF or what the local population may or may not say."

In response to a journalist's question about why the U.S. does not work with its NATO ally Turkey on the issue of the terrorist organization ISIS, Ryder replied, "Turkey is a highly valued NATO ally, and we continue to keep communication lines open regarding the situation in Syria and regional security interests such as ISIS."

Stating that there are no changes to announce regarding the U.S. position in the region or its approach to the mission of defeating ISIS, Ryder said, "We are in discussions with our Turkish counterparts and others in the region regarding the challenges related to ISIS and the SDF."

Noting that everyone in the region has an interest in ensuring that the terrorist organization ISIS does not resurge, Ryder argued that PKK/YPG elements "continue to be an important partner" in this regard.

Regarding a question about the U.S. position on ceasefire talks between PKK/YPG terrorist elements and other parties in the Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) region near the Turkish border, Ryder only said that they are closely monitoring developments on this matter.