(CNN) In a remarkable announcement late Sunday night, the White House said that United States forces in northern Syria would move aside in advance of a planned Turkish military offensive. "Turkey will soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria," a statement said. The White House added Turkey would now be responsible for all captured ISIS fighters who are currently being held by US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Trump and Erdogan had a phone call on Sunday where they discussed Turkey's military operation into northern Syria. "Allowing Turkish patrol bases now opens the door to permanent occupation and makes it easier for the Turkish military to attack the SDF later," the official said.

Source: CNN October 07, 2019 06:00 UTC