France admits military presence in N.Syria

By Selen Temizer and Yusuf Ozcan

PARIS/ANKARA (AA) - The French General Staff Office confirmed on Friday that French ground forces have served in northern Syria.

The office responded to Anadolu Agency’s questions on whether France has its land forces in northern Syria and how it supports YPG/PKK.

The statement revealed that the French Army has been fighting Daesh terrorists since 2014 through a series of military operations from land, air and sea.

Some 1,100 French soldiers have been serving in the Middle East, the military said.

Anadolu Agency reported previously that since March 30, the French Army has expanded its military action spots from five to nine in Syria.

According to reliable local sources, roughly 200 French soldiers have coordinated with YPG/PKK terrorists. But France had previously denied military presence in northern Syria.

The statement also reaffirmed that the U.S. withdrawal from Syria will not affect its ongoing military operation called “Chammal” in Syria.