ANKARA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and Russia are discussing possible "joint patrols" in Syria's Tal Rifaat, local media reported on Tuesday.

"Coordinated efforts are ongoing in order to prevent attacks from the PKK/YPG in Tal Rifaat in the region of the Operation Euphrates Shield," daily Hurriyet quoted a security official on condition of anonymity.

The latest such meetings were held on March 11, the official added.

"Negotiations continue for carrying out joint patrols with the Russian Federation in this region," said the official.

Last week, Turkey and Russia started coordinated patrols in rebel stronghold of Idlib as part of a deal aiming at a cease-fire in the region.

Tal Rifaat, a strategic town which constitutes a bridge between two cantons of Syrian Kurds, is under the control of the People's Protection Units (YPG) since February 2016.

The town is located in the southeast of Afrin and the east of Jarablus, the areas where Turkey has deployed troops after Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch.

The YPG is regarded by Ankara as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization.