On October 29, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler to express his condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Ankara on October 23. Secretary Austin acknowledged Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns in the wake of the incident and discussed Türkiye’s recent operations in Syria, emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian harm.
During the call, Austin reaffirmed the need for close U.S.-Türkiye coordination to safeguard U.S. personnel engaged in the Defeat-ISIS mission. Secretary Austin also congratulated Minister Güler on Türkiye’s 101st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, highlighting the continued partnership between the two nations in addressing regional security challenges.–News Desk