U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed ongoing efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS in Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Blinken emphasized the need to maintain pressure on ISIS and ensure the security of camps holding detained ISIS fighters. Both sides expressed concerns about the challenges in northern Syria, where U.S.-backed Kurdish forces (SDF) clash with Turkish-backed rebels. The two agreed that the SDF should remain focused on fighting ISIS rather than getting distracted by conflicts with Turkish-backed groups.
Blinken’s visit to the Middle East also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where he pressed for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Blinken highlighted Turkey’s influence over Hamas and urged them to accept a ceasefire agreement. A U.S. official noted that Hamas had softened its stance on the matter. The talks also centered on Syria’s political transition, with Washington seeking a unified approach with its allies, emphasizing inclusivity and minority rights.
Fidan reiterated Turkey’s priority to stabilize Syria by preventing the rise of terrorism, particularly from ISIS and the PKK. He criticized Western support for Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly the YPG militia, which Turkey links to the PKK. Fidan also stated that eliminating the YPG from Syria was a key strategic goal for Turkey, and he urged the group’s commanders to leave. The talks underscored the complexity of balancing regional stability with broader geopolitical concerns.
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