The decision is meant to accelerate the Raqqa operation but undermines the Turkish government.

The U.S. and Russia agreed that the Syrian cessation of hostilities that began on Monday had largely held and should be extended for another 48 hours.

The ceasefire in Syria appeared to be holding on Tuesday despite sporadic and minor violations, with observers saying most of the country was calm amid the latest attempt to bring some quiet in the country's devastating civil war.