Pentagon says talks with Türkiye ongoing amid 'fragile' Syria situation

The Pentagon has described the situation in Syria as "fragile" while confirming that discussions with Türkiye are ongoing, particularly regarding U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is led by the PKK/YPG terrorists.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasized the focus of communications with Türkiye on the broader Syrian situation. This includes efforts to ensure security and stability for Syrian citizens following the removal of President Bashar Assad from power.

"Türkiye is a very valued NATO ally, and we continue to keep lines of communication open as it relates to the situation in Syria, as it relates to regional security interests like ISIL," Ryder stated.

He expressed confidence in the continuation of these conversations with Türkiye and other regional partners.

The U.S. has primarily relied on the SDF for counter-ISIL operations in Syria. However, this partnership has strained relations between the NATO allies, as the SDF is led by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Türkiye.

Responding to a question from Anadolu Agency, Ryder acknowledged the fragility of the situation in post-Assad Syria. He reiterated that U.S. forces have been collaborating closely with the SDF for years on the mission to defeat ISIL, which remains their primary focus.

"We all have a vested interest in ensuring that ISIL is not allowed to regroup and resurge and return to the kinds of activities that we saw previously," Ryder added, underlining the shared concern over potential ISIL resurgence in the region.

"We understand legitimate concerns"

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