MANBIJ (Syria). Oct 23 (Interfax) - Russian military police have started patrolling forward positions of the Syrian army northeast of Manbij, which was taken over by Damascus in October, a spokesman for the military police told the press.
"The patrolling route goes along forward positions of the Syrian army, several kilometers away from the village of Qeirata on the Sajur River, close to the area where it flows into the Euphrates," the spokesman said.
The area was patrolled by U.S. troops just ten days ago. The U.S. forces left for the Iraqi border after Turkey launched its military operation in northern Syria.
Sajur is the contact line between the Syrian army and fighters of anti-government groups, which have supported the Turkish military operation. The operation, which started on October 9, aims to create a buffer zone along the Turkish border.
"Besides, patrols observed the vicinity of Kara-Kozak, southeast of Qeirata. The Syrian army has built its positions in this area, as well," the spokesman said.