US makes way for Turkish forces amid fears for Kurds

BEIRUT, Lebanon - US-backed Kurdish-led forces said US troops began pulling back on Monday from positions along the border in northeastern Syria as the United Nations said it was "preparing for the worst" after the United States said it would step aside to allow Turkish military operations in the area.

The Syrian Kurdish fighters also accused Washington of failing to abide by its commitments to its key allies in the fight against the Islamic State group. The withdrawal marks a major shift in US policy.

There was no immediate confirmation from the White House of US troops clearing positions in areas in northern Syria.