Pentagon's Response to Erdoğan's Threats

The Pentagon has responded to Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan's threats to expel American troops from military bases in the country. According to TASS, the Pentagon stated, "We consider the status of our forces in Turkey as a symbol of our decades-long commitment to work with our NATO ally and strategic partner Turkey and to help its defense. The department is making efforts to maintain that relationship while encouraging Turkey to adopt a more constructive policy regarding the S-400 issue, Syria, and other areas where there are disagreements," said a source from the agency.

On December 15, Erdoğan announced that if Washington imposes sanctions against the republic, Ankara could close the Incirlik Air Base, where American B61 nuclear bombs are stored, and the Kürecik military base, which is part of NATO's missile defense system in Europe.