US Occupation of Syria
US Occupation of Syria
At least six United States military C-17 and C-130 transport planes delivered soldiers, air defense systems, and weapons to the Kharab al-Jir Airbase and the Rumalyn Landing Zone.
Six C-17s, C-130s deploy US military assets to Northeastern Syria
In a major move underscoring the gravity of America’s strategic interests in the Middle East, U.S. military assets have been relocated to northeastern Syria in recent days, with at least six C-17 and C-130 military transport planes delivering soldiers, air defense systems, and weapons to the Kharab al-Jir Airbase and the Rumalyn Landing Zone.
This swift, large-scale mobilisation sends a powerful message amid escalating regional tensions, especially following the intensification of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
This redeployment reflects Washington’s concerns about the rapidly shifting dynamics in the Middle East. With renewed hostilities in Gaza, a volatile Iraq, and increasing Iranian influence in Syria, northeastern Syria has become a vital foothold for the U.S. to maintain both a defensive and offensive stance.
The region’s strategic value goes beyond its geography. It is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, which could potentially fuel extremist groups like ISIS if left unsecured. U.S. forces, working alongside local partners like the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF], aim to keep these resources out of hostile hands, stabilizing the area while extending American influence over valuable assets.
Beyond securing resources, this deployment is a clear countermeasure to Iran’s ambitions in Syria, which pose a direct threat to U.S. allies and interests. Since the early 2000s, Tehran has invested heavily in its regional influence network, supporting the Assad regime in Syria and building a land corridor that stretches from Iran through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon.
By fortifying its military presence in northeastern Syria, the U.S. is making it harder for Iran to transport arms or personnel across the region, a logistical route crucial for its operations. Moreover, this robust deployment signals Washington’s intent to push back against any Iranian attempts to expand further into Syria, as well as any threats posed to regional allies like Israel.
The importance of bases like Kharab al-Jir and the Rumalyn Landing Zone cannot be overstated. These locations give the U.S. significant leverage to project power and respond to incidents quickly across Syria and neighboring Iraq. For Washington’s allies on the ground, especially the SDF, this represents a critical lifeline. The SDF has long been a U.S.-backed force in the fight against ISIS and an invaluable partner in managing northeastern Syria.
However, SDF control is continuously threatened by regional powers like Turkey, which views the Kurdish forces within the SDF as a national security threat due to their affiliations with Kurdish separatist movements in Turkey. This latest American deployment not only reassures the SDF but signals to Turkey that the U.S. will not stand aside should Ankara escalate its operations in northern Syria against the Kurdish population.
In a region marred by conflict, this action is also a message to Damascus and Tehran. For Syria, a country that has struggled under years of civil war, this reinforcement of American power serves as a warning to the Assad regime not to attempt any further provocations. Iran, too, is expected to closely monitor this development.
The additional American presence in Syria will complicate Tehran’s ability to operate in the area freely. The inclusion of air defense systems, possibly Patriot missile batteries or other mobile platforms, suggests the U.S. is preparing for potential escalations that could arise from Iran-backed militia attacks on American assets or allies in the area.
This enhanced military readiness serves as a preemptive shield for American personnel in the region and may dissuade Iran from any miscalculated aggression.
This deployment comes against a backdrop of global instability, where an already volatile Middle East stands on the edge of greater disruption. The recent fighting in Gaza, proxy clashes between Iran-backed forces and U.S. allies, and Turkey’s frequent operations in Syria create a scenario ripe for missteps and miscalculations.
The United States’ decision to augment its presence demonstrates a firm stance in safeguarding its interests while reinforcing its commitment to allies in an environment where threats are as dynamic as they are dangerous.
However, with any show of force, risks remain. Turkey, for instance, may interpret this increased U.S. presence near its borders as an infringement on its own security concerns. Ankara has, at times, been vocal in its opposition to American support for the SDF, and further U.S. involvement could strain relations. Similarly, Iran and Syria may feel emboldened to test U.S. resolve by increasing their own military actions in the area, potentially leading to skirmishes or retaliatory strikes.
This operation is a calculated move by Washington to deter adversaries, reassure allies, and establish a firm foothold in a region that has proven both strategically invaluable and deeply complex. At a time when global tensions are mounting and the U.S. is reasserting its influence, the deployment serves as a potent reminder that America’s role in the Middle East remains robust, resilient, and ready to respond to whatever may come next.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2024/11/08/six-c-17s-c-130s-deploy-us-military-assets-to-northeastern-syria/
Erdogan Asks Trump to Halt US Support for Syrian Kurds
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has revealed that he asked US President-elect Donald Trump to halt American support for the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the Syrian arm of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Erdogan stated Friday that during a phone call with Trump immediately after his re-election, he stressed the need to end US support for the YPG, the largest faction within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), asserting that Türkiye would not compromise on securing its borders against terrorist threats.
In remarks to journalists on his return from Budapest, where he attended the fifth meeting of the European Political Community, Erdogan said: “We will continue discussions with Mr. Trump in this new period and will address regional developments, including the US withdrawal from Syria.”
The Turkish president emphasized his country’s commitment to establishing a 30-40 kilometer security zone along its southern border to neutralize terrorist threats from the PKK and the YPG, which Ankara views as the PKK’s Syrian arm.
“Our efforts to penetrate into Syria and Iraq to target terrorists and eradicate terrorism at its source will continue relentlessly,” Erdogan declared. “As we have stated verbally, we also demonstrate through our actions that we will not allow the formation of a terrorist corridor along our southern border. We will pursue terrorism beyond our borders.”
Ankara considers the YPG an extension of the PKK, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU. The Turkish government has consistently urged Washington to end its support for the YPG, which the US views as a crucial ally in the fight against ISIS.
Türkiye has launched multiple military operations targeting SDF-controlled areas where the YPG predominates and continues strikes against these forces through its troops stationed in northern and eastern Syria, as well as with support from factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.
The Turkish military presence in northern Syria remains a barrier to Ankara’s efforts to normalize relations with Damascus.
In his first term, Trump announced on December 19, 2018, that he would withdraw US forces from Syria, asserting that they had achieved their goal of defeating ISIS. The decision led to the resignation of then-Defense Secretary James Mattis, although Trump later reversed the decision and delayed the withdrawal plan.
Last year, the US Senate overwhelmingly rejected a resolution calling on President Joe Biden’s administration to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.
https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5079848-erdogan-asks-trump-halt-us-support-syrian-kurds
Erdogan wants to repair ties with US under Trump
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism on Friday regarding Donald Trump’s second term as US president, hoping it would help repair Turkey’sstrained relationship with the United States.
Erdogan indicated that he would aim to discuss key issues with Trump, including the purchase of F-35 fighter jets and resolving their disagreements over Ankara’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
"Although there were occasional differences of opinion, the model partnership between Turkey and the US is indisputable," Erdogan said, noting that he previously worked closely with Trump and had invited him for an official visit next year.
One notable aspect of Erdogan’s statement was his emphasis on utilising "phone diplomacy" to address critical issues, such as Israel’s wars on Gaza and Lebanon and Trump’s potential decision to withdraw US forces from Syria.
Last time he was in power, Trump gave Erdogan his personal phone number.
"We were able to establish contact within 24 hours in the past, and we tried to achieve results through telephone diplomacy accordingly," he said, adding: "I do not anticipate any issues in this regard during this term."
While Ankara officially refrained from endorsing any candidate during the US presidential campaign, Erdogan did not hesitate to call Trump in July to express his goodwill following an assassination attempt targeting the former president.
Erdogan also cancelled a visit to Washington in May, reportedly to avoid meeting with US President Joe Biden, who was facing criticism from Muslim Americans for his stance on the Israeli war on Gaza.
Room for better dialogue
On Friday, Erdogan urged Trump to honour his campaign pledges and take steps to end the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an immediate halt to arms shipments to Israel as a first step.
"There wasn’t a festive mode in Ankara but we believe there is a big room for better dialogue with Trump," a Turkish official told Middle East Eye.
"We weren’t surprised by the election results and don’t expect a perfect relationship, but it could work very well under the right conditions."
Turkish columnist Yahya Bostan, writing for Yeni Safak, revealed this week that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Richard Grenell, a senior foreign policy advisor to Trump and a potential candidate for secretary of state, during the Nato summit in Washington in July.
Grenell recently described Fidan as "an old friend" and emphasised that Washington should treat Turkey with respect as a Nato ally.
Retired Colonel Rich Outzen, a former US State Department official involved in Middle East affairs, said Trump’s foreign policy would take a hard-nosed approach to escalation management and deterrence.
"Based on his public statements, Trump’s priorities would likely include ending the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, restraining Iran’s regional malign activities and nuclear ambitions, and expanding trade and diplomatic deals aimed at increasing stability and fostering long-term peace," Outzen told MEE.
"A lot will depend on the people he appoints to key positions."
While figures like Grenell in the administration could improve relations with Turkey, others like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who has been openly critical of Erdogan - could complicate the relationship.
Pompeo, known for his hawkish stance on Iran, is reportedly being considered for the secretary of defence position. Ankara opposes unilateral US efforts to isolate Iran, fearing that such actions could trigger increased irregular migration to Turkey and undermine trade.
James Jeffrey, a former US Special Representative for Syria during Trump’s first administration, expressed general optimism about the future of US-Turkey relations.
"Relations are currently good, albeit transactional," Jeffrey told MEE. "Trump will likely bring a more personal touch to the relationship, given the rapport between the two presidents during his first term."
Robert F Kennedy Jr, a close associate of Trump, told Tucker Carlson on Wednesday that Trump would like to withdraw 500 US troops from northern Syria, where Turkey is actively engaged in hostilities with Syrian Kurdish groups supported by Washington.
Jeffrey, however, warned that such a move could have serious consequences.
"It would be a serious mistake, as it would empower Iran and Assad, creating a vacuum that could disadvantage our various partners, including Turkey," he said.
Key role on Ukraine
Erdogan also expressed Turkey’s willingness to play a role in ending the Ukraine crisis by hosting mediation talks. He emphasised that Turkey has maintained contact with both Russia and Ukraine while affirming Ukraine’s sovereignty.
"If, during Trump’s term, we see a US administration that approaches the issue from a solution-oriented perspective, we could easily bring this war to an end," Erdogan said.
"We are a country that has successfully brought both sides to the same table. We’ve done it many times, and we can do it again."
Turkey hosted ceasefire talks in Istanbul in 2022 between Russia and Ukraine and brokered a landmark grain deal between the pair that same year. Ankara has also facilitated several prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv.
"If President Trump is going to broker any sort of deal, Turkey must be involved in some capacity," said Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at Washington-based conservative think tank the Hudson Institute.
"With recent confidence-building measures in the defence industry, such as the sale of F-16s and the joint production of 155mm artillery shells, there are opportunities for both sides to take small steps toward boosting confidence, which could unlock future cooperation."
The Rules Based International Order clearly prohibits the illegal occupation of foreign territories. Unless you are the United States, in wich case there is a rule that occupying any country in West Asia or anywhere in the world is ok. I‘m so glad we got a RBIO which is fair and equitable to everyone.