US involvement with Kurds and Syrian rebels 'shifting'

US diplomatic staff have signalled that YPG fighters, fighting the Islamic State group in Manbij with US support, may be forced to retreat, Fikri Isik told Turkey's NTV.

"One of Turkey's must-do points is to definitely end the PKK-PYD presence in Manbij," said Isik, referring to two separate Kurdish organisations, which have been linked to the YPG in the past.

The issue of a Kurdish autonomous region, referred to as Rojava, has been a major sticking point in Turkey-US relations.

Ankara has regularly voiced its opposition to the US' support for the Kurdish fighters in their continued fight against IS.

The Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have said in the past they intend to liberate Manbij from the Kurdish fighters currently positioned in the town.

The minister's interview follows reports that the CIA have frozen their support for Syrian rebels in Idlib, citing concerns over recent extremist attacks.

Reuters cited rebel commanders saying the CIA had been providing salaries, training and ammunition to the rebels, but that this support had recently stopped.

The rebel commanders added that this was expected to be a temporary halt and was not believed to be connected to US President Trump's recent inauguration.