---
title: "The US-Backed Militia Fighting ISIS Is Once Again Dodging Bullets From Turkey"
date: "2018-11-01"
modified: "2018-11-01"
authors:
  - name: "Paul Szoldra"
    job_title: "Editor"
    link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/paul-szoldra/"
url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/sdf-turkey-isis/"
categories:
  - "News"
---

# The US-Backed Militia Fighting ISIS Is Once Again Dodging Bullets From Turkey

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/18990948-1.png>)

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have again paused combat operations against ISIS so it can deal with attacks from the Turkish Army.

- "The SDF temporarily suspended offensive actions against ISIS in response to cross border attacks by Turkey. We have been in communication w/both Turkey and the SDF to de-escalate the situation. Unity of focus on the defeat of ISIS is the Goal!" U.S. Army Col. Sean Ryan [said](<https://twitter.com/OIRSpox/status/1057982406731489281>) Thursday on Twitter.
- The operational pause comes amid new tensions on the Turkey-Syrian border. The Turkish military has shelled SDF positions (where some U.S. troops are also based) twice this week, [according](<https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/10/31/us-backed-syria-kurds-accuse-turkey-of-jeopardizing-is-fight/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Socialflow+MIL&utm_source=twitter.com>) to Military Times.
- In response, the SDF said it "replied" to Turkey's attacks in accordance with the rules of engagement and destroyed a Turkish military vehicle, [according](<https://sdf-press.com/en/2018/10/we-have-used-our-right-to-reply-in-accordance-with-the-rules-of-engagement/>) to an SDF statement on Wednesday.
- Turkey, which considers the SDF (which has elements of the YPG militia) [an extension of the PKK](<https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-concerned-over-turkish-shelling-of-pkk-ypg-positions-138466>) militia that has fought an insurgency against Ankara for three decades, forced a Pentagon pause in [operations earlier this year](<https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/sdf-has-paused-offensive-ops-against-isil-since-turkeys-op-in-afrin-started-pentagon-130828>) with its incursion into Afrin, Syria.
- The SDF and Turkey also [exchanged fire](<https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-sdf/u-s-backed-sdf-sees-big-risk-of-clash-with-turkey-in-northwest-syria-idUSKBN19K0YH>) in June 2017.
- The increased tensions puts the U.S. in an awkward spot: It's been wholeheartedly backing the SDF in the fight against ISIS, while also trying to maintain its relationship with Turkey, [a NATO ally.](<https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-u-s-turkey-crisis-exposed-a-crumbling-partnership-1.6408241>)
- President Donald Trump [conveyed a message](<https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/trump-hails-important-partnership-between-turkey-us-138390>) praising Turkey on Tuesday, telling them "the partnership between the United States and Turkey — NATO allies since 1952 — remains important."

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-placeholder-title-1044.png>)

## Author
Paul Szoldra was the Editor in Chief of Task & Purpose from October 2018 until August 2022. Since joining T&P, he has led a talented team of writers, editors, and creators who produce military journalism reaching millions of readers each month. He also founded and edits [Duffel Blog](<https://www.duffelblog.com/>), a popular satirical newsletter for the military. Before becoming a journalist in 2013, he served as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan, Korea, and other areas of the Pacific. His eyes still go up every time a helicopter from Camp Pendleton flies over his office in Southern California.

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