US allies in Syria make deal with Moscow and Damascus

The Manbij Military Council, has permitted Russian and Syrian regime forces to take over villages near the town of Manbij and the aim of the deal was not immediately clear. 

The Manbij Military Council has safe-guarded the town following the defeat of Daesh in August by the SDF, a mix of Arab and Kurdish fighters backed by US and coalition air power. The SDF has largely sought to avoid conflict with Damascus and its Russian backers, focusing primarily on Daesh.

Russia's ability to strike a deal with one of America's closest allies in the fight against ISIS, however, could be viewed as a sign of eroding US influence in Syria.

This agreement is likely to further complicate Northern Syria, increasing the potential for an armed clash between America's NATO ally Turkey and the combined Russia and Syrian regime forces. 

The agreement between the Manbij Council and Moscow could be aimed at deterring a Turkish advance by placing Russian and Syrian troops between the town and the Turkish military.