“We’re here to ensure the lasting defeat of IS is maintained in this area,” Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk said during a visit to U.S. forces in Manbij, Associated Press reported.

The U.S.-backed opposition Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led mainly by the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) that Turkey considers as a terrorist group, captured the town of Manbij from ISI in 2016.

Funk’s visit came amid rising tensions between Turkey and the United States - NATO allies that have ended up on opposing sides in some aspects of the multi-layered war in Syria.

Funk told reporters in Manbij that the U.S. would continue to support the SDF allies, despite tensions with Turkey and that a continued U.S. presence in Syria’s north is aimed at deescalating tensions.

“I don’t worry,” Funk said when asked about recent Turkish calls, “It’s not in my job description to worry, my job is to fight.”

On Feb. 6, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the U.S. to withdraw its troops from Manbij and said Ankara’s military operation in Syria would be expanded to this town.

Top U.S. general in the Coalition forces said the American troops deployed to Manbij to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would remain there despite continuous Turkey’s demands for a U.S. pullout.

Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk and spokesman Ryan Dillon paid a visit to Manbij on Wednesday, February 7, to see Coalition’s members, leaders and partners, Dillon tweeted.

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