"US and Russian troops patrol neighboring villages in Syria" Topic

"Russian and US troops are patrolling neighbouring Syrian villages as the two countries move to defuse tensions between rival factions fighting the Islamic State in the Iraq and the Levant (Isil).

In what is the closest encounter between the two superpowers in Syria to date, both sides have sent troops into the area around the northern town of Manbij to in a bid to halt fighting between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish troops and allied rebel groups.

The Manbij Military Council, an SDF-affiliated group, said on Monday that the town had been placed under the protection of the US-backed coalition following several days of clashes with Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army…"
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

As long as the US and Russian troops don't start shooting at each other…

The Russians are legally patrolling the Syrian villages as they were asked in by the recognised Syrian government (as despicable as it is). The US troops are illegally occupying Syrian villages because they are illegally there in contravention of both US and international law.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when the Syrian Regime finally attempts to expel hostile, foreign forces such as Iraqi Kurds, Turks and Americans from their state and I wonder whether the Russians will actively support such a move. This could be a very dangerous powder-keg.

Cheers.
Rod Robertson.

Dude!… (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

As the saying goes, "What could possibly go wrong?"

"The Russians are legally patrolling the Syrian villages as they were asked in by the recognised Syrian government (as despicable as it is). The US troops are illegally occupying Syrian villages because they are illegally there in contravention of both US and international law."

"Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that a "humanitarian convoy," accompanied by armored vehicles from the forces of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad backed by Russia, had entered Manbij with the agreement of the U.S."

link

The Russians, Turks and "moderate" Free Syrian Army (which was supported by the previous US administration) are fighting against ISIS but also skirmish with the Kurds – considered to be terrorists – under Turkish leadership.

However, the Kurds are a reliable and capable participant in the fight against ISIS and provide the bulk of the Syrian Democratic Forces coordinated and supported by Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and the west. So if they happen to be fighting close to the Russian/Turkish/Syrian coalition like in Manbij, they need US protection from unwarranted Turkish attacks.

While both have a common enemy right now, once Raqqa is taken and ISIS is completely wiped out for all intents and purposes, it will be most interesting to see what happens then.