Turkey’s Defense Ministry says the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units, or YPG, has no authority to make statements on behalf of the region’s people or “invite other elements” into the region.

The statement Friday apparently was referring to the YPG’s appeal to the Syrian government to seize control of the northern town of Manbij to avert an attack by Turkey.

Shiar Azad confirmed to Kurdpress that there are Syrian army forces in Manbij, adding that the forces have entered Manbij on the request of the YPG and Mnabij military council in order to prevent Turkey incursion into Manbij.

He added that the forces have been ordered to defend the western border of the town in order to prevent possible Turkey and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels attack the city.

Azad further called the entrance of the forces into Manbij a normal issue and stressed that all over the world the army of the country protects the border.

The journalist further told Kurdpress that Turkey is seeking to occupy Manbij and wants to take the control of the city as it did in Afrin, Jerablos, Bab and Azaz and then annex it to Turkey’s soil.

Reporter’s code: 50101