"Turkey remains an important NATO ally and Counter-ISIS [Daesh] Coalition member," Votel said in a written testimony to the US Senate Armed Services Committee. "Some Turkish activities and rhetoric, however, have the potential to impact campaign momentum."
The commander argued that Turkey’s actions in the north of Iraq strain relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Votel said such activity serves to further complicate the campaign against Daesh in the country.
At the same time, Ankara has helped with clearing its border with Syria from the terrorists, the commander noted.
However, he added, "Turkish-backed forces have also clashed with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Manbij and Al Bab and we continue efforts to resolve tensions."
On Monday, Defense Department spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters that the United States had deployed a small number of additional troops to Manbij on a mission of reassurance and deterrence.
The United States is reportedly training its local partners, including the SDF, near Manbij to prepare for the assault on the Islamic State’s de facto capital of Raqqa.
The SDF which includes the Syrian Arab Coalition, launched the Wrath of Euphrates operation to retake Raqqa in November.
