US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has reaffirmed the US commitment to protecting Turkey at a meeting with the Turkish prime minister in London.

It’s the first meeting of the officials since the Pentagon announced the US would arm Syrian Kurds in the fight to oust Daesh terrorists from the group’s stronghold in Raqqa.

A Pentagon spokesperson says both leaders affirmed their support for peace and stability in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey is deeply opposed to the arms agreement and has called for its reversal.

Turkey believes the US-backed Syrian Kurds, known as the YPG, are terrorists. But the US is convinced they are the most effective local fighting force against Daesh.

Turkey’s prime minister said Wednesday the US can’t use one terrorist group to fight another.

source: GULF NEWS