Turkey and US Discuss Counterterrorism Efforts Amid YPG Row
Senior Turkish and American officials have recently met in the Turkish capital, Ankara, to enhance joint efforts on counterterrorism. However, differences have arisen due to the US’s support of the YPG in northern Syria. The YPG is the Syrian affiliate of the PKK, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.
Counterterrorism Consultation Between the US and Turkey
The US-Turkey counterterrorism consultation was relaunched during the strategic mechanism meetings held in Washington D.C. in March 2024. Elizabeth Richard, the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, visited Ankara on April 22 to hold talks with her Turkish counterparts.
The goal of the consultation is to broaden and strengthen the counterterrorism cooperation between the US and Turkey. The focus areas include thwarting terrorist travel, combating terrorism-related networks engaged in organized crime, ensuring the defeat of terrorist organizations such as PKK, DHKP-C, and ISIL in Syria and Iraq, and countering the threat of ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates in Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia.
The statement released by the State Department also mentioned discussions on ways to combat the exploitation of global finance channels by terrorist organizations.
The YPG Issue
Despite the US-Turkey counterterrorism cooperation, the statement did not explicitly mention the YPG. This has been a point of contention between Turkey and the US, as Turkey criticizes the US for arming and supporting the YPG.
The YPG’s objective is to create its own autonomous sphere in northern Syria, which Turkey strongly opposes. Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the PKK, which has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.
While the US has partnered with the YPG in the fight against ISIL in Syria, Turkey has consistently voiced its objections to this alliance.
The Importance of Cooperation
Despite the differences over the YPG, the counterterrorism consultation between Turkey and the US highlights the importance of cooperation in addressing the global threat of terrorism.
Turkey and the US have a shared interest in combating terrorism and ensuring the stability and security of the region. By working together, they can enhance their efforts in thwarting terrorist travel, dismantling terrorism-related networks, and defeating terrorist organizations.
Additionally, cooperation is crucial in countering the threat of ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates in various regions, including Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia. By sharing intelligence and coordinating their actions, Turkey and the US can effectively counter these extremist groups.
Conclusion
The recent meeting between senior Turkish and American officials underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance counterterrorism cooperation. While differences persist regarding the US’s support of the YPG, both countries recognize the importance of working together to combat terrorism and ensure regional security.
Through joint efforts, Turkey and the US can address challenges such as terrorist travel, organized crime networks, and the presence of extremist groups in various regions. By leveraging their strengths and sharing intelligence, they can make significant strides in countering the global threat of terrorism.
