US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to stress the importance of maintaining the coalition's mission to defeat ISIS in Syria. The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions between Turkish-backed militants and the US-supported Syrian Defense Forces (SDF).
Blinken emphasized the need for a Syrian-owned political transition to establish an accountable and inclusive government, as well as ensuring the protection of displaced Syrians. The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish forces, has been a crucial ally in preventing the resurgence of ISIS in northeast Syria.
General Mazloum Abdi of the SDF expressed concerns that attacks by Turkish-supported groups have hindered their anti-ISIS operations, potentially allowing ISIS to strengthen its presence in the Syrian desert.
Recognizing Turkey's legitimate interests in combating terrorism, Blinken underscored the importance of avoiding further conflicts within Syria to facilitate a smooth transition to an interim government and a better future for the country. Preventing the resurgence of ISIS remains a top priority for the coalition.
The US Secretary of State's diplomatic efforts aim to navigate the complex dynamics in Syria while addressing the security concerns of all parties involved. The ongoing dialogue between the US and Turkey underscores the shared goal of eradicating ISIS and promoting stability in the region.
