The U.S. State Department has identified the ongoing issue of the PKK/YPG presence in Syria as one of the most “sensitive and challenging” topics in its discussions with Türkiye, according to spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Speaking during a daily press briefing, Miller responded to questions from an Anadolu Agency reporter regarding the U.S. support for the SDF, which Türkiye asserts is tied to the PKK/YPG, a group it designates as a terrorist organization.
“This issue is an extremely sensitive and quite difficult matter that we continue to address with our Turkish counterparts,” Miller said. “It has constituted a significant part of the discussions between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish officials.”
Miller acknowledged that U.S. support for the SDF, which is linked to the PKK/YPG, remains a key point of disagreement between the two NATO allies. However, he refrained from providing specific details on how the issue is being addressed. “We are engaging in discussions with our NATO ally to determine the best path forward,” he said.
US backs Türkiye’s right to act against PKK
When asked about Türkiye’s broader fight against the PKK, which includes operations against the PKK/YPG in Syria, Miller said, “We recognize Türkiye’s legitimate right to take action against a terrorist organization that the U.S. also designates as such—the PKK.” However, he stopped short of extending this acknowledgment to the PKK/YPG.
Miller also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in Syria during what he described as a “delicate transition process,” urging all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.
US calls for restraint from all Actors, including Israel
In the context of regional stability, Miller addressed the role of other actors in Syria, including Israel. Responding to a question about whether this U.S. position extended to Israeli actions, Miller affirmed, “We have made it clear to all parties, including the Israeli government, that we do not wish to see actions that would further worsen the situation. We want to see measures that promote stability.”
Regarding Israel’s reported occupation of a buffer zone in Syria, Miller defended the action as a “temporary measure” intended to address potential security threats arising from a power vacuum in the region.
Miller reiterated the U.S. stance on fostering an inclusive transition in Syria, free from ethnic or sectarian conflict, and stressed the need for all actors to avoid actions that could inflame tensions. “We desire a smooth transition process in Syria, without provoking unrest or increasing tensions,” he said.
The PKK/YPG issue remains a critical challenge in U.S.-Türkiye relations, reflecting broader complexities in managing alliances and stability in a volatile region.
