Italian troops had been dispatched nearly a week ago to areas controlled by the YPG near the Iraqi border, Anadolu news agency quoted on Tuesday local sources as saying on condition of anonymity.

The troops arrived last week in the city of Hasakah from Iraq before heading to Deir ez-Zor, according to the sources.

The sources further added that the forces were later sent to a US military base in the oil-rich al-Omar region.

The Italian soldiers include military advisers supporting US and French troops in the operation against Islamic State (IS) militants, Anadolu cited the sources as saying.

However, the Italian troops have yet to participate in any military operations against IS.

Reporter’s code: 50101