Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch last January against forces of the mainly Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in the northwest Syrian enclave of Afrin.

High Turkish officials have repeatedly stated they would expand the operation to nearby Manbij, which is also controlled by the YPG – despite the presence there of troops from the United States.

France, another NATO ally of Turkey’s, risked conflict with Ankara by meeting in Paris with leaders from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an offshoot of the YPG, and pledging support for the group in March.

50 of the 250 French troops present in territory held by the YPG and its affiliates have moved to Manbij, said a report in Turkish newspaper Hurriyet that carried the image of the U.S. and French vehicles.

The newspaper also reported that French forces have constructed a military base in the area.

Reporter’s code: 50101