The Turkish government on Thursday dismissed Washington’s denials that it has provided weapons to a Syrian Kurdish militia force, which Turkey considers to be a terrorist group.
It also complained about a lack of support from the U.S.-led coalition to its offensive against the Islamic State group in northern Syria.
Differences over the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces in Syria are driving a wedge between Turkey and its NATO ally, the United States. Turkey views the People’s Protection Units, or YPG, as a terrorist organization because of their links to Turkey’s outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. It accuses the group of involvement in a series a bomb attacks in Turkey carried out by Kurdish militants — charges the YPG rejects.
The U.S. does not consider the YPG or its political wing to be terrorists and has backed the Syrian Kurdish groups, arguing that they are the most effective force against IS.
In an interview with A Haber news channel Thursday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said: “The United States has provided arms to the YPG — period.”
He was responding to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy a day earlier that said the U.S. had not “provided weapons or explosives to the YPG or the PKK — period.”
“They know as well as we know that the United States provides arms to the YPG because they are fighting (IS),” Cavusoglu said. “We have documents to prove it, and the whole world is aware.”
Cavusoglu said the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition had stopped providing air cover for Turkish troops and Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces in Syria. He blamed that on alleged pressure by the Syrian Kurdish groups on the United States.
“The YPG is exerting pressure on America,” he said.
Turkey sent troops into northern Syria in August to clear a border area of IS militants and to thwart the Syrian Kurdish groups’ territorial advances.
Addressing a scientific awards ceremony in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also rebuffed the U.S. denials and called on Washington to side with its ally.
“We are with you in NATO but despite this, you give support to separatist terror organizations and not to us,” Erdogan said. “This is not something we can accept.”
“In our operation in al-Bab, we are not seeing the slightest support from NATO or from our allies who have forces in the region,” Erdogan added, in reference to a northern Syrian town that Turkish troops are fighting to retake from the IS group.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
This man has gotten away with treason because of the spineless GOP RINOs!!!!!!
i have said from day one,the bengazi deal was a cover up for ODUMBO giving arms to the terrorist,they had to lie and cover up his actions!!!!!!! if this new incoming adim. doesnt go after this terrorist,they are wrong!!!!!!! burn in hell ODUMBO!!!!!
The Turks are right obakma not only supplied terrorists with weapons but money to go out an buy more!
I agree.
Im sure Putin can verify that & file charges onto Obama & allies alone
Unless Obamas “allies” jump ship since they dont Want to serve time, Hope O enjoyed his Last Vacation.
& id reduce his Secret Service detail on Jan 21.
As soon as That Black President is out of the Office by Jan. 20, 2017…., It is time and wise that U.S. Government to spy closely watch that traitor Obama and give no access to Government official document….. Otherwise, Obama has access to ISIS or Muslim organization as Terrorist activity….. I am sure many of our government are very poorly job to maintain safety in national Security.
There should be limit resources to Obama and his Administration, ist is vital and remind American people that BARACK OBAMA was never born in America…..The Media do not want you to Know of this……
Keep in Mind that Obama’s Mother is the HOOKER and ESCORT Girl in KENYA…., Then mother brought Baby Obama to Hawaii Island to leave him behind grandparent to take care of him while change Birth Certificate as mother return to Kenya to continue work as a WHORE HOUSE……. This is the FACTS….!!!!! Is NO JOKE….!!! OBAMA IS NOT AMERICAN CITIZEN……..!!!!
This is for HORN PUBLISHER…., You are such a Fake News and Crowd to print my valuable resources…., I hope Donald Trump will force you to write my honesty statement…., you are piece of SHIT….!!! YOU ARE FAKE NEWS and A CROWD…!!!
Don’t know if it is true. But it is believable.
Yes, our Country and leaders have given arms and support to many unworthy organizations and fighting groups.