In a development that has heightened tensions in the already complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Guler has publicly criticized recent joint military exercises conducted by U.S. forces in collaboration with Kurdish units in northeastern Syria. Labeling these maneuvers as “unacceptable,” Guler expressed his disapproval, emphasizing that the Turkish government closely monitors such events.
The exercises in question, known as the “Blue Arrow Maneuvers,” were initiated by U.S. forces in December in collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly consisting of Kurdish units. The primary location for these military drills was the Qasrok military base, situated 12 km west of the U.S. forces base in Tal Baydar. Additionally, joint exercises took place in various bases across eastern Syria.
According to sources from Athr Press, approximately 300 elite members of the SDF participated in the Qasrok exercises, specializing in supporting U.S. forces in landing and raiding operations. The southern outskirts of Hasakeh also witnessed joint military drills at the U.S. base in the Conoco gas field, conducted in collaboration with the SDF. These exercises coincided with ongoing drills at the Qasrok base in western Hasakeh.
The nature of the exercises extended to the northeastern outskirts of Hasakeh governorate, where U.S. forces engaged in military drills at the Kharab al-Jir base in the al-Yarubiyah countryside. This involved 80 members of the SDF, with a particular focus on airdrops and the execution of several airdrop operations in the region.
The Turkish Defense Minister’s criticism comes amid broader regional dynamics, where Turkey has consistently expressed concerns over the role of Kurdish forces in Syria, viewing them as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Ankara considers the PKK a terrorist organization and fears that the empowerment of Kurdish groups in Syria could pose a threat to its national security.
During an annual assessment meeting, Guler highlighted Turkey’s counter-terrorism efforts, noting that since the beginning of January, the Turkish army has neutralized 2,084 terrorists, including operations in northern Iraq and Syria. These efforts resulted in the destruction of 1,110 terrorist targets, particularly focusing on Kurdish units, with 820 terrorists neutralized in the past four months.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the situation underscores the delicate balance that nations in the region must navigate to address security concerns while avoiding exacerbating existing geopolitical complexities. The implications of these military exercises may reverberate across international relations in the broader Middle East.
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