October 6, 2023
1 min read

US-Turkey Relations Tense After Drone Shootdown

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident…reports Asian Lite News

The US military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to American forces in Syria, the Department of Defense said.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that commanders assessed that on Thursday a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew “less than a half kilometer from US forces” based in Syria, reports Xinhua news agency.

US. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV “in self-defense” as the drone was deemed “a potential threat”, Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had “no indication that Türkiye was intentionally targeting US forces”.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident.

According to a readout of the phone call provided by Ryder, Austin urged his Turkish counterpart to commit to “de-escalation in northern Syria,” stressing “the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels”.

“The Secretary acknowledged Turkey’s legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the US and Turkey to prevent any risk to US forces,” the readout said.

The incident marked a rare use of force by the US against one of its allies within the NATO.

Adding to the controversy of the shootdown is the fact that Washington not only counts on Ankara to help defeat the Islamic State terrorist group in the Middle East but also relies on Türkiye’s approval to bring Sweden into NATO in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish air force carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters.

ALSO READ-Yudh Abhyas Cements India-US Military Ties

Previous Story

Nobel Peace Prize Recognizes Narges Mohammadi’s Fight for Freedom

Next Story

In Historic First, India Crosses 100-Medal Mark in Asian Games

Latest from -Top News

India fast-tracks FTAs as US drags feet

As India cements its position as a global trading force with a flurry of new free trade agreements, including a landmark pact with the United Kingdom, negotiations with the United States continue

Modi Lands in Malé for Big Day

PM Modi is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu to participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

Industry Hails India-UK FTA

£34 billion boost, sweeping tariff cuts and market access mark UK’s most ambitious post-Brexit trade pact; Indian sectors set for exports surge…reports Asian Lite News Business leaders from both India and the

India, UK Sign Landmark FTA

The pact is set to make imported goods like Scotch whisky, gin, luxury cars, cosmetics, and medical devices more affordable for Indian consumers….reports Asian Lite News In a landmark moment for India-UK
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Gandhi, Nehru inspired others about democracy’

Ms. Hochul said that we also learn from celebrating many

US eyes closer ties with Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh recently warned that China-Bangladesh relations will