Turkey says in deal with U.S. on air support for Syria rebels

The United States and Turkey have agreed “in principle” to give air support to some forces from Syria’s mainstream opposition, Turkey’s foreign minister said, in what if confirmed could mark an expansion of U.S. involvement in the conflict.

U.S. officials acknowledged ongoing discussions with Turkey about a range of options to step up the fight against Islamic State, but said no decisions had been made.

“We’re in ongoing discussions with the Turks across all lines of counter-ISIL efforts. Our understanding is no decisions have been made,” said one U.S. defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Washington has so far refrained from committing to enforcing a “safe zone” for Syrian rebels, as it could be seen as a declaration of war on the Syrian state.

The air support would protect Syrian rebel forces who have been trained by a U.S.-led program on Turkish territory, said minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The long-delayed scheme is meant to send 15,000 troops back to Syria to fight Islamic State militants.

Cavusoglu did not go into details on what “in principle” meant or what kind of air power would be provided or by whom.

“They have to be supported via air. If you do not protect them or provide air support, what is the point?,” Cavusoglu told the pro-government Daily Sabah newspaper during a visit to Seoul.

“There is a principle agreement on providing air support. How it is going to be provided is in the responsibility of the army.”

The U.S.-led training program has been mired in delays amid media speculation of disagreements between the two NATO allies.

Turkey has said that any support program must be part of a comprehensive strategy which includes battling forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Washington has maintained its opposition to Assad, but said that the goal of training is only to defeat Islamic State militants.

Cavusoglu reiterated that while fighting Islamic State is prioritized, the “regime must also be stopped.”

The minister also dismissed media speculation that Turkey and Saudi Arabia had agreed on a joint operation in Syria.

Reuters