Toner explained that designating a group as a terrorist organization is a long process and added, "We’re not even there yet with the YPG, we don’t consider them to be one."
The spokesperson admitted that there have been some disagreements between Washington and its close ally Ankara about YPG fighters, which Turkey considers a terrorist group.
The United States did not shift their assessment toward YPG fighters, who Washington considers to be "really capable fighters," he added.
"I would not say there is any shift in our assessment," Toner stated when asked whether the US approach toward YPG has changed.
Toner, however, said that in the last several weeks the United States was alarmed after they saw "elements" of the YPG near Aleppo attempting to make territorial gains. He added Washington believed those elements were "only exacerbating the situation" in Syria and were asked to deescalate those actions.
Earlier in February, Turkish forces began shelling areas held by the YPG in Aleppo. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu responded by saying that the shelling was a retaliatory measure, while Washington called on Ankara to stop shelling Kurdish positions in Syria amid the US-Russian plan for the cessation of hostilities in the country.
