EXCLUSIVE-US-backed Syrian forces halt counter-Islamic State operations -sources

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT, Oct 9 (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations against Islamic State in Syria as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two U.S. officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday.

"The SDF stopped the anti-ISIS operations because it's impossible to carry out any operation while you are being threatened by a large army right on the northern border," the Kurdish military source said.

One of the U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension also impacted U.S. training of stabilization forces in Syria.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Ellen Francis Editing by Chris Reese)