US and Türkiye defense ministers discuss events in Syria
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (photo: Getty Images)
On Sunday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a conversation with Türkiye's Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler. They discussed events in Syria, reports CNN.
During the conversation, Austin emphasized that the US is closely monitoring the statements and actions of various opposition groups in Syria.
"Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is watching closely the statements and actions of the various opposition groups in Syria. Both he and Minister Guler agreed that these groups must take steps to protect civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, and abide by international humanitarian norms," the Pentagon statement said.
Additionally, Austin and Güler highlighted the importance of preventing further escalation, avoiding risks to US forces and their partners, as well as defeating ISIS.
Yesterday, the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fell. After a little over a week of fighting, rebels entered the capital, Damascus, on the morning of December 8. The president himself fled the country and, according to Russian media, escaped to Moscow.
