The United States intends creating IS-free corridors in southern and northern Syria, and needs Turkey's cooperation on the northern corridor. The perceived goal is to wedge IS between the two corridors, erode it with air attacks and then eliminate it with offensive ground operations by the Free Syrian Army, the PYD militia, and Assad’s forces, with close US air support. The zone will be 100 kilometres wide and 40 kilometres deep. Calling it an ‘IS-free zone’ sends a message about its purpose and alleviates concerns of Russia, Iran and the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad. Ankara security says talks are ongoing on the status of the Kurdish PYD under the new plan and the nature of Turkish army actions inside Syria.