The United States reaffirms its support for Turkey in the fight against the PKK

The United States reiterated its support for the Türkiye’s “legitimate right” to fight the PKK, a group designated as terrorist by Washington. However, the country avoids criticizing the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, which allies with the United States against Daesh. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, said: “We understand the Türkiye’s legitimate right to combat a designated terrorist organization. »

Asked by the Anadolu Agency about the YPG, Matthew Miller dodged the subject, preferring to focus on the PKK. “I would rather talk about the PKK. We respect the right to fight this organization,” he said. The spokesperson clarified that Syria remains in a “fragile” state and stressed the importance of not pursuing unilateral interests that would harm the Syrian population.

Matthew Miller justified the partnership between the United States and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by the YPG, by specifying that they play a crucial role against Daesh. “It is in the interest of Türkiye, the Syrian people and all countries in the region that the Islamic State does not resurface,” he added.

Dialogue with Turkish officials continues, according to Miller, who describes the situation as “difficult.” He explained: “We discussed with our NATO ally to find the best way forward.” The objective remains to prevent Syria from falling back into internal conflicts.

Asked about possible actions regarding Israel, particularly regarding the expansion of settlements on the Syrian Golan, Miller referred to “all parts of the region” without explicitly naming Israel. He nevertheless defended Israel’s temporary acquisition of the Golan buffer zone, arguing that the absence of the Syrian army creates a dangerous vacuum.