Turkey, Syrian rebels attack U.S.-backed militia - militia official

FILE PHOTO: A road sign shows the direction to Manbij city, as seen from the western entrance of the city, in Aleppo Governorate, Syria June 19, 2016. The Arabic words read 'Under the Islamic State rule, you insure your self, money, religion and honour'. REUTERS/Rodi Said/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels attacked villages held by U.S.-allied militias near the city of Manbij in northern Syria on Wednesday, a spokesman for the militias said, an escalation of Turkey's military campaign in the border area.

There was no immediate comment from Turkey, which is waging its "Euphrates Shield" campaign with Syrian rebels to drive both Islamic State and Kurdish militias away from the frontier, but the militia spokesman said there had been heavy bombardment.