Pentagon says it will arm Syrian Kurds, despite Turkey's objections

She said Trump's approval gave the Pentagon the go-ahead to " equip Kurdish elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] as necessary to ensure a clear victory" over ISIL in Raqqa, the group's self-declared capital in Syria.

"We are keenly aware of the security concerns of our coalition partner Turkey, " White said in a statement.

White's statement confirmed the United States will allow the Syrian Democratic Forces to lead the campaign to recapture Raqqa.

But a group of Kurdish fighters, commonly referred to as the People's Protection Units or YPG, is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, another US ally fighting ISIS. Tillerson said. "Once the ISIS threat has been reduced or eliminated, I think we can turn our attention directly to stabilizing the situation in Syria".

A Turkish air raid in late April killed 20 YPG fighters and media officials, prompting the U.S.to deploy armored vehicles along the border in a show of support for the group.

In the past, the USA has supplied the YPG with training, and stopped short of directly providing arms like it has to Arab components of the SDF because of Turkish objections.

When asked whether the new arms deal with the YPG could put US forces in danger from Turkish airstrikes, Pentagon spokesman Maj.

Kurdish forces within the Syrian Democratic Forces will now have access to US weaponry in addition to ongoing air support.

Traders' attention is now turning to spotting any signs of deepening tension between the US and Turkey when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Washington next week.

On Monday, a high-ranking group of Turkish officials was informed of the decision by White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster.

Ankara opposes Washington's alliance with Syrian Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State.

Kurdish officials described the US troop movement as a "buffer" between them and Turkey. But while the USA classifies the PKK as terrorists, it calls the PYD/YPG its ally in the fight against Daesh in Syria.

It is a move that has always been under consideration at the Pentagon but has been delayed due to strong opposition from American NATO ally Turkey.

The US official said several administration brass, including Defense Secretary James Mattis, talked to Turkish interlocutors Tuesday to explain the US decision. The U.S. sees the Syrian Kurdish forces as the most effective partners in the fight against ISIS. "NATO allies stick together, " he said.

"We had forces within six miles of the strikes", Dorrian said.

"... Our intent is to work with the Turks, alongside one another to take Raqqa down". Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which is considered a terrorist group by Turkey and the United States.