Turkey and U.S. Conduct Second Joint Ground Patrol

Turkish and U.S. military forces successfully conducted a second combined joint ground patrol in northeast Syria. The purpose of the patrols is to address Turkey's legitimate security concerns on their southern border, maintains security in northeast Syria so ISIS cannot reemerge, and allows the coalition and our partners to remain focused on achieving the enduring defeat of ISIS. 

The patrol demonstrated a continuing commitment toward the implementation of the security mechanism in northeast Syria. The U.S. continues to greatly value its relationship with Turkey, a longstanding, trusted partner and NATO ally for more than 65 years.  

--30--

U.S. European Command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands whose area of focus spans across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is composed of approximately 70,000 military and civilian personnel and is responsible for U.S. defense operations and relations with NATO and 51 countries. For more information about U.S. European Command, visit https://www.eucom.mil.