Fri Dec 13 19:54:13 UTC 2024: ## Blinken Urges Turkey to Counter ISIS Resurgence After Assad’s Fall
**Ankara, December 14, 2024** – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to Turkey on Friday, pressing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) group following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. The lightning offensive, led by Islamist-led HTS rebels, ended Assad’s five-decade rule.
Blinken emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in countering ISIS, highlighting the significant U.S. efforts in eliminating the group’s territorial caliphate. He received assurances from Erdogan that Turkey remains committed to combating ISIS and will not allow any weakening of efforts, despite ongoing operations against Kurdish fighters, whom Turkey considers a threat.
This comes amid conflicting interests between the NATO allies. While the U.S. views the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led force, as crucial in preventing ISIS’s return, Turkey considers the SDF an extension of the PKK and launched its own offensive against them following Assad’s ouster. Experts suggest Turkey may be aiming to consolidate control over the region, potentially leveraging its influence in post-Assad Syria for negotiations with the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Blinken also expressed optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, urging Turkey to utilize its influence with Hamas to facilitate a resolution. He acknowledged Turkey’s close ties with Hamas and its potential role in mediating an agreement. Blinken’s visit to Turkey followed a stop in Jordan and marks his twelfth trip to the Middle East since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
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