US-backed Kurds move east of Euphrates in Syria

US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria have "all" gone east of the Euphrates River, a US defense official said Monday, a move Washington hopes will reduce conflict between two partner forces.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations, the official told AFP the development -- a key demand from Ankara -- had occurred over the past day or so. 

"All the YPG are on the east of the Euphrates," the official said, referring to the Kurdish militia that has worked closely with United States advisors to fight the Islamic State group.

Still, he acknowledged, some Kurds may remain to the west of the river, but these were not part of the YPG.