Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 6
By Orkhan Quluzade – Trend:
Turkey’s Defense Minister Fikri Isik says the US, in order to fight the “Islamic State” (IS) terrorist group, has chosen another terrorist group – the Democratic Union Party (PYD) – as its ally.
Because of that Turkey is suffering today, and the US itself will face problems in the future, he said in an interview with the Haberturk TV channel Jan. 6.
The US is still not keeping its promises concerning the withdrawal of PYD militants from the Syrian city of Manbij to the east bank of the river Euphrates, according to the minister.
“If the US does not keep its promise, Turkey will be forced to carry out an operation to clear the city of the militants,” Isik said.
As for the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey’s Adana, Isik said the air base belongs to Turkey and all foreign forces at the base are only stationed there by Ankara’s permission.
“Ankara does not consider closing down the air base now. However, if the use of the Incirlik Air Base contradicts Turkey’s interests, we will assess the situation and take appropriate measures,” the defense minister added.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has earlier said shutting down the Incirlik Air Base in Adana is not on the agenda.
Earlier Veysi Kaynak, deputy prime minister, said Ankara questions the presence of forces of the coalition at the Incirlik base.
Incirlik Air Base is used by the United States Air Force and the Turkish Air Force. Its activities are regulated by the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Planes of a number of the coalition members, that participate in air operations against IS, are also stationed at this air base.
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