US, Turkey talking Syrian border force issue: Pentagon

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. acknowledges Turkey's concern over its plans for a border security force in Syria dominated by terrorist elements, and "close communications" with Turkey continue, according to the Pentagon.

“We acknowledge Turkey’s concerns regarding these [Border] Security Forces being trained. We have regular close communication with our NATO ally Turkey,” Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon told Anadolu Agency.

On whether there are any discussions between Turkey and the U.S. over the border security force to be led by the SDF, a group dominated by the terrorist PKK/PYD, Pahon said U.S. government officials have reached out to their Turkish counterparts and the issue is being discussed, but gave no further details.

On Sunday, U.S.-led coalition spokesman Ryan Dillon announced plans to establish a 30,000-strong border security force in Syria with the SDF -- a U.S.-backed group drawn up largely of PYD/PKK terrorist elements.

The PYD/PKK is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terrorist group, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

Since the mid-1980s, the PKK has waged a wide-ranging terror campaign against the Turkish state, in which an estimated 40,000 people have been killed.