US continues to engage with Türkiye on evolving situation in Syria: Pentagon

WASHINGTON

The US military continues to engage with Türkiye regarding the evolving situation in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

During a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had discussions earlier this week with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler.

"So the conversations are ongoing, understanding the dynamics on the ground in Syria. Türkiye certainly faces threats from within Syria, and they have the right to also protect themselves. But that's why we're continuing to have these conversations, not just with Türkiye, but with other stakeholders in the region when it comes to Syria," she said.

While Singh noted that the US remains in talks with the PKK/YPG-led SDF in Syria, she avoided addressing questions about the potential US stance should clashes occur between Türkiye and the SDF forces.

She also noted that the regime change in Syria could “present an opportunity” as well as “great risk.” She said the US position in the region remains unchanged, focusing on protecting its troops and combating the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group.

Regarding recent developments, Singh stated that the SDF is currently not operating in the Manbij area and is focused on its fight against the Daesh/ISIS.

"We continue to work with our Turkish counterparts to urge for any de-escalation in that region," she added.

Asked by an Anadolu reporter about whether the US and Türkiye are holding discussions on relocating the Tomb of Suleyman Shah in Syria, Singh replied: “We’re going to continue to engage with Türkiye.”

"We have our Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) traveling to the region, (CENTCOM) General (Michael) Kurilla is in the region. These are ongoing conversations. And of course, we understand the threats that Türkiye faces. And you know, our partners in the region. I'm just not going to shed more light than what I've said already," she added.

The Tomb of Suleyman Shah, the grandfather of Osman I, who founded the Ottoman Empire in the late 13th century, was relocated from the village of Karakozak in Aleppo, Syria to the Syrian village of Esme near the Turkish border in February 2015.