Turkey Warns US of Clash Risk Over Syrian Elections, Media Reports

The Turkish authorities have warned about the risk of a clash with the United States in Syria if local elections are held in the Kurdish regions of northern Syria. This was reported by TGRT television, citing sources from security agencies.

"The US, Iran, and Russia continue their diplomatic communications with the aim of completely excluding the so-called elections that the PKK terrorist organization (the Kurdistan Workers' Party, banned in Turkey) is attempting to organize in northern Syria," the channel noted.

Sources within the security agencies stated that Turkey has once again pointed out to the US the necessity to not delay the voting but to cancel it altogether; otherwise, "Turkey and the US will clash, finding themselves in confrontation." Such a warning has been issued by Ankara to Washington. The US side, as mentioned by the television channel, has yet to announce its support for the elections.

The channel also reported that discussions regarding the cancellation of the voting have hit a deadlock. This issue was supposed to be addressed at a quadrilateral meeting of intelligence representatives last year, which never took place.

Sources in the security sector indicate that the withdrawal of US troops from Syria could help solve the problem, but this seems unrealistic as long as the presence of Russia and Iran in the region persists. Ankara criticizes Washington for supporting Kurdish organizations in Syria and Iraq, stating that it contradicts the spirit of alliance.

The elections for the Kurdish autonomous administration in northern Syria were scheduled for June 11 but were postponed to August 8. Turkey has repeatedly stated that it will not allow them to take place, warning of the possibility of military action in the border area.