Türkiye seeks joint action with US to combat ISIS in Syria Awaiting Response

Defence Minister Yaşar Güler stated that Türkiye had proposed a joint effort with the United States, offering to form three commando brigades to combat ISIS, but the US has yet to respond, leaving the proposal unaddressed.

Türkiye has expressed its willingness to offer military support and training to Syria's new administration, should it request assistance, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Defence Minister Yaşar Güler made the statement during a recent briefing, confirming that Türkiye already holds military cooperation agreements with multiple countries. He assured that the government is prepared to extend the same support to Syria if asked.

Güler's remarks come amidst ongoing concerns over the fight against ISIS in the region. He noted that Türkiye had proposed a joint effort with the United States, offering to form three commando brigades to combat ISIS. However, despite this offer, Güler indicated that the US has yet to respond, leaving the proposal unaddressed.

“The fight against terrorism cannot be conducted with terrorists,” Güler said, stressing Türkiye’s opposition to US cooperation with the PKK/YPG, a Kurdish militia group. He pointed out the absence of ISIS activity in Syria over the past three years, questioning the effectiveness of current strategies.

Looking ahead, Güler reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to eliminating the PKK/YPG from Syria. He stated that neither Syria’s people, nor its new government, nor Türkiye would allow the group to operate freely or establish a presence within the country.

Meanwhile, Güler, reiterated the country's firm stance on Syria during a speech on December 15, underscoring the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization as a top priority.

“Our primary issue in Syria is the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. We have expressed this to our American friends. We expect them to reassess their position,” said Güler, who also revealed that ongoing discussions with the United States are centred around this issue.

Addressing the Annual Evaluation Meeting in Ankara, Güler highlighted Türkiye's significant progress in its fight against terrorism, outlining key counterterrorism achievements.

“With the operations we have carried out, we have neutralized 2,939 terrorists, including those in northern Iraq and Syria, since the beginning of this year,” he stated. “Additionally, 99 terrorists have surrendered.”

Güler also emphasized that Türkiye's ongoing operations are proving highly effective in disrupting terrorist organizations, noting that these efforts are far more comprehensive and sustained than the "limited-targeted and time-bound" operations of the past.

By Aghakazim Guliyev