“The process is still ongoing,” said the sources, on condition of anonymity, adding that “their withdrawal continues from checkpoints on the patrolling route. Therefore, reports that the PYD [Democratic Union Party]/YPG have entirely withdrawn from Manbij is not reflecting the truth.”

Turkey and the United States had announced a roadmap after a June 4 meeting in Washington between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and American counterpart Mike Pompeo.

The deal focused on the withdrawal of the YPG from Manbij and on the stability in the region.

The Turkish General Staff said in a statement on June 24 that the two countries’ forces conducted patrols separately in the west of Manbij. The first patrols by Turkish and U.S. troops in the region began on June 18 and the 11th round of patrolling was completed on July 15.

Reporter’s code: 50101