YPG/PKK still in Syria's Manbij despite pullout claims

By Levent Tok, Mohamed Misto and Selen Temizer

ANKARA (AA) - The YPG/PKK terrorist group still maintains a presence in Syria’s Manbij despite claims it withdrew all its forces from the city, according to local sources.

Local sources told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that YPG/PKK terrorists were still hiding out both in the city center and in outlying districts.

The terrorist group had claimed earlier via social media that it had withdrawn all its forces -- including what it described as its “military advisors” -- from Manbij.

According to the same local sources, other armed elements -- including members of the Manbij Military Council -- also remain in and around the city.

On Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the YPG/PKK would be disarmed under a roadmap drawn up by Turkey and the U.S. aimed at ridding Manbij of terrorists.

The roadmap, which calls for the total withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from Manbij, was unveiled Monday following a meeting between Cavusoglu and U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo.