Turkey Emphasizes Partnership With the United States on Security in Northern Syria
Turkish officials underscored Ankara’s expectation that Washington will uphold a spirit of partnership in the ongoing fight against terrorist organizations operating in northern Syria. The spokesman for the Turkish presidency, İbrahim Kalın, spoke about the importance of a united front when terrorists threaten Turkey both at home and beyond its borders. The message from Ankara was clear: cooperation must be real, practical, and responsive to Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, especially in areas close to its southern border. Officials stressed that silence is not an option when threats emerge that could destabilize the region or threaten civilian lives, and they urged the United States to translate its partnership rhetoric into concrete actions on the ground. In this regard, the Turkish leadership framed the issue within the broader context of regional security and the shared responsibility to prevent safe havens for extremist organizations from taking root near Turkey’s borders. The aim, according to Turkish officials, is to maintain stability in northern Syria while coordinating counterterrorism efforts with international partners who have a stake in the region’s peace and security.
Kalın reiterated that the United States should honor the spirit of collaboration and listen seriously to Turkey’s security concerns. The Turkish side signaled that any unilateral moves or policies that ignore Ankara’s safety interests would be unacceptable. The emphasis was on building relations with Washington that rest on mutual interests, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of the strategic realities in the region. The Turkish administration conveyed a readiness to engage in constructive dialogue that supports shared objectives, including the defeat of terrorist networks and the stabilization of northern Syria through coordinated, multi-lateral efforts. The statements reflect a broader desire to turn dialogue into dependable, long-term cooperation that can adapt to evolving threats while ensuring that regional dynamics do not undermine the security of neighboring countries.
In this context, Turkish officials also called on the United States and Russia to fulfill their commitments under the 2019 agreements concerning Syria. These accords were designed to establish frameworks for de-escalation, safe operational zones, and security arrangements that can prevent the emergence of new rebel-held territories that could complicate the fight against terrorism. The call for adherence to these agreements signals Turkey’s preference for a stable, rules-based approach in which all parties adhere to negotiated understandings and work through established mechanisms to resolve disputes and address security concerns. The emphasis on upholding these commitments aligns with Turkey’s broader objective of ensuring its southern front remains secure while pursuing a comprehensive strategy against extremist threats.
Former Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar asserted that the Turkish armed forces will maintain its counter-terrorism operations both domestically and abroad. He stressed that Ankara will not permit the creation of a terrorist-controlled zone near its southern borders, a position that reflects a long-standing priority of Turkish security policy. The statement framed the ongoing operations as a necessary response to the persistent threat posed by extremist groups and as part of a wider effort to stabilize border regions so civilians can live without fear. The commitment to continuous counter-terrorism action underscores Turkey’s readiness to coordinate with allies on intelligence sharing, targeted operations, and the rapid deployment of resources when required. The overarching message is one of resolve: Turkey will act decisively to safeguard its territory and its people while engaging in international cooperation designed to curb terrorism at its source.