Pentagon emphasizes Türkiye’s right to self-defense, dodges question on PKK/YPG

In a recent press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized the dynamic and evolving situation in Syria, acknowledging Türkiye’s right to defend itself against threats emanating from across the Syrian border.

Singh underscored that the United States maintains “great relations” with Turkish counterparts and continues dialogue not only with Türkiye but with other involved parties in the region.

While affirming that the U.S. maintains strong relations with Türkiye, Singh avoided directly answering a question regarding how the U.S. would respond if tensions between Türkiye and the PKK/YPG terrorist organization escalated.

The U.S. has openly supported this terrorist organization in the region, providing it with weapons and financial assistance.

Key points from briefing

• Türkiye’s security rights
  Singh stated that Türkiye faces threats from within Syria and retains the legitimate right to self-defense. She reiterated calls for reducing regional tensions and conflicts to maintain stability.

• US involvement in Syria
  The U.S. remains in Syria primarily to counter Daesh, maintaining cooperation with groups such as the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. Singh confirmed ongoing U.S. contacts with these groups but refrained from elaborating on how the U.S. would respond if conflicts between Türkiye and these groups escalated.
• Stance on regional stability
  Singh described regime change in Syria as both an “opportunity and a risk,” with U.S. efforts focused on protecting its forces and combating Daesh rather than altering its broader position in the region.

• Tomb of Suleyman Shah
  When asked about potential U.S. involvement in relocating the tomb of Suleyman Shah back to its original site, Singh avoided providing a definitive answer but reiterated the U.S. commitment to ongoing engagement with Türkiye.

Background on tomb of Suleyman Shah

The tomb, a site of symbolic importance to Türkiye, was moved from Karakozak village in Syria’s Aleppo province to the Syrian border near Esme during the 2015 “Operation Shah Euphrates” due to security concerns amidst escalating regional conflicts.

This development highlights the complexity of U.S.-Türkiye relations in Syria, with shared interests in combating terrorism but differing views on the role of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization.