‘Washington preparing forces in Syria to attack Turks,’ says retired US official

Former U.S. Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor has claimed that the United States and Israel are preparing Kurdish forces in Syria, including the MAK and PKK, for potential attacks against Türkiye.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor also issued a stark warning about the potential for a major conflict involving Türkiye.

Fidan’s rising influence in Türkiye

Retired U.S. Colonel Douglas MacGregor has commented on the growing influence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan.

Describing Fidan as a potential successor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, MacGregor noted Fidan is “much more aggressive in using military force.”

Erdogan’s strategic dilemma in Lebanon

He also highlighted Erdogan’s efforts to keep Türkiye out of escalating conflicts, particularly in Israel’s potential actions in Lebanon.

“Erdogan is trying to keep Türkiye out of the war. But he knows that if the Israelis enter Lebanon, it will destabilize Lebanon,” he stated.

‘Preparing forces in Syria to attack Turks’

According to MacGregor, the U.S. and Israel are preparing forces in Syria, focusing particularly on Kurdish groups.

“We are preparing some forces in Syria to attack the Turks. I am talking about the Kurds first. The MAK and the PKK have received instructions to arm themselves, cross the border, and attack Türkiye directly,” he said.

“The Turks know this and they are very upset about it. We have done this periodically in the past, but this time the situation is much more serious,” MacGregor also noted.

Türkiye’s response, regional implications

MacGregor pointed out that Türkiye’s response has been immediate and forceful. “That is why very well-armed Arab tribesmen are attacking U.S. bases,” he explained.

The Colonel further emphasized the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the conflict could escalate into a larger war involving multiple regional powers.

“We already have a larger war developing. Israelis and we are part of it. Turks are on the brink of admitting to this and going public with it,” he stated.

Strength of Turkish forces

MacGregor concluded his remarks by acknowledging the strength and resilience of Turkish forces.

“Turks are martial people and proud of their country. The average Turkish soldier is very tough and a formidable opponent. It would be a mistake to underestimate the Turks in any way,” he warned, indicating that any conflict involving Türkiye could have significant and unpredictable outcomes.