Americans mediated, Erdogan accepted: Ceasefire for withdrawal of Kurdish forces

(Patria) – Turkey has agreed to establish a temporary ceasefire for 120 hours, which will allow Kurdish troops to withdraw from northern Syria.

US Vice President Mike Pence stated that he has confirmation that the Kurdish YPG will withdraw in a timely manner, while Turkey has agreed to a permanent ceasefire once the withdrawal is completed.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will withdraw from the 'safe zone', which is a 30 km strip along the Turkish-Syrian border, Pence told reporters in Ankara after a multi-hour meeting with Turkish officials.

The creation of such a zone was also the goal of the Turkish military operation.

President Donald Trump praised the agreement, commenting that it will save 'millions of lives'.

The agreement was reached through the mediation of Pence, who traveled to Ankara with Secretary of State Pompeo to negotiate with the Turkish President.

The US had previously imposed sanctions on Turkey due to the military offensive against Kurdish forces. Erdogan responded that the withdrawal of Kurdish forces is the only way to stop the military operation.

Pence stated on Thursday evening that the US will not impose further sanctions after the ceasefire.