Erdogan Accuses the US of Fueling Terrorism in Syria

"The United States cannot say that it has not fueled terrorism. Those who fuel terrorism in Syria are, first of all, the United States and the coalition forces. They have done it ruthlessly and they are doing it now," Erdogan said.

The Turkish president stressed that Washington has sent large quantities of weapons, ammunition and other materials to Syria, where US forces have maintained an alliance with the YPG since 2015, an armed group that fights against the jihadist Islamic State.

"As if that were not enough, they have given the same support in Iran. To whom? Again to the terrorist organizations," Erdogan said, without specifying which ones he was referring to.

"The U.S. primarily partnered with the YPG in northeastern Syria in its fight against the Daesh terrorist group. On the other hand, Türkiye strongly opposed the YPG's presence in northern Syria," outlet DailySabah recalled, explaining that the YPG poses a threat to Türkiye and terrorizes local people, destroying their homes and forcing them to flee.

Erdogan also recalled that Turkey is in constant contact with Moscow for "the fight against terrorism in northern Syria." This was a topic he discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the meeting in Sochi on August 5.

The Turkish leader admitted that the negotiations with Iran were not as "efficient" as he wanted. He reiterated that Turkey could "suddenly" launch another military operation in Syria, where it already has troops deployed and occupies swaths of territory.