Turkey’s Defense Ministry on Potential US Troop Withdrawal from Syria
The Turkish Defense Ministry commented on reports of President Trump’s intention to withdraw his forces from Syria, stating that Ankara is closely monitoring all developments related to defense and security in its region, including the possibility of US forces withdrawing from Syria, as reported by the “Turkey” newspaper.
On Thursday, November 7th, Turkish Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zeki Akturk said, “The United States has previously decided to withdraw from Syria, but that hasn’t actually happened. We must look at actions, not words.”
During the weekly press conference, Akturk added, “What we expect from friendly and allied countries is to stop the support and assistance provided to the terrorist organization ‘PKK/YPG’ and to offer sincere support for our efforts in combating terrorism.”
Turkey views the Washington-backed “Syrian Democratic Forces” in northeastern Syria as an
extension of the “Kurdistan Workers’ Party” (PKK), which is banned and designated as a terrorist
organization.
Regarding questions about potential issues with the supply of F-16 jets to Turkey following the US
elections, the Turkish defense official clarified that the process is proceeding according to the
agreed plan and that signed agreements are on a positive track.
Akturk further stated, “The contracts for the F-16 jets have been signed, and the process is moving positively. Despite occasional problems, Turkish-American relations are based on shared values and interests.”
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