US maintains Türkiye has ‘right to defend themselves’ against terror
WASHINGTON (AA) – The US on Monday backed Türkiye’s right to self-defense following this month’s terrorist attack in Istanbul, but emphasized the need for de-escalation in Syria.
“Turkey continues to fall victim to terrorist attacks, whether its near that border or elsewhere inside the country. And they have a right to defend themselves and their citizens against attacks,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at a briefing.
“They have suffered terrorist attacks, but we don’t want to see actions, particularly inside Syria that are going to lead to potential for more casualties, more loss of innocent life, and any diminution from our efforts, a distraction away from our efforts, because we have troops in Syria, to go after ISIS,” said Kirby.
“We also don’t want to see the actions inside Syria by Turkey or anyone else that could put American lives at risk because there are Americans on the ground in there helping the SDF,” he added.
Kirby was referring to the US’s principal partner in Syria, which is led by the YPG. The YPG is the Syrian affiliate of the PKK.
US support for the YPG has long strained bilateral relations between Ankara and Washington.
The Pentagon last Wednesday expressed concern over Türkiye’s airstrikes in northern Syria, saying they posed a threat to US personnel and harmed the fight against ISIS.