US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has visited Ankara, with his team concluding meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nuh Yılmaz and Senior Presidential Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
US Undersecretary of State John Bass posted on X on 12 December, “Visited Ankara today for meetings with senior government officials to discuss the situation in Syria, including how to protect civilians, preserve the integrity of state institutions, and support an inclusive, Syrian-led political process. We will remain in close contact with Turkish counterparts in the coming days and weeks.”
Manbij ceasefire not respected
The visit by Blinken’s team came shortly after the US brokered a ceasefire on Wednesday between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Manbij Military Council, which is part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkish and SNA attacks on Manbij have persisted, in spite of the ceasefire – including, on the day of the ceasefire – looting, torture and summary executions by SNA forces. The citizens of Manbij have been protesting against the SNA occupation. The Rojava Information Centre (RIC) reported on Friday that attacks on civilians have persisted, despite the ceasefire.
Prior to the ceasefire, the US had voiced serious concerns over Turkey’s military activities in Syria, particularly in SDF-controlled areas.
Fears that Turkey and SNA will stoke an ISIS resurgence
Many commentators have warned the US administration over the last few days that Turkey’s policies could create a resurgence of ISIS in Syria.
SDF Commander in Chief Mazloum Abdi went on Sky News on Thursday to highlight the dangers posed by the jihadist SNA. “Global security depends on the stability of this region,” he said.
“We need stronger commitments from our allies. Silence in the face of aggression is complicity,” Abdi argued.
Abdi’s concerns were echoed by White House national security communications adviser John Kirby who said: “The US cannot allow actions that compromise our partners in the fight against ISIS.” He reiterated that the SDF remains a critical ally in ensuring the defeat of ISIS.
Also on 12 December, Blinken met with Abdullah bin Al Hussein, the King of Jordan, in Aqaba to discuss the situation in Syria. The visit signalled continued US support for the Jordanian state.
Blinken posted on X on 12 December: “For the first time in decades, Syria has an opportunity to have a government that is run by and answers to the people, not dominated by a dictator, religious or ethnic group, or outside power. We’re determined to work closely with partners so Syrians can realise that aspiration.”
