Erdogan, Trump agree to better coordination in Syria

On the eve of a possible Turkish counter-terrorism operation in northern Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Friday (Dec. 14) agreed on the need for more effective coordination in Syria, according to an official statement, DS reported. 

According to the statement by the Turkish presidency, the two leaders discussed bilateral issues, security and anti-terrorism issues, especially regarding recent developments in Syria, during a phone call.

President Erdogan expressed Turkey's legitimate concern over the actions and presence of the PKK-affiliated People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria.

Erdogan said earlier Friday that Turkey will conduct an anti-terrorist operation in Manbij if the US fails to clear the YPG from the northern Syrian region. He also reiterated Turkey's determination to bring peace to the area east of the Euphrates River in Syria.

Earlier this week, Erdogan announced that Turkey would launch another anti-terrorist operation in northern Syria, targeting the area east of the Euphrates within a few days.