Turkey says no interruption in role in U.S.-led coalition against IS
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey says no interruption in role in U.S.-led coalition against IS, 12 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db99ed10.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 12, 2016
Turkey says its role in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group will continue without interruption despite tensions between the West and Ankara over its massive crackdown on dissent following last month's failed military coup.
Defense Minister Fikri Isik made the statement in an interview with the Haberturk television channel on August 12.
Turkey has dismissed thousands of soldiers, including around 40 percent of its generals, in the wake of the abortive July 15 coup, which Ankara says was instigated by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.
The cleric has denied involvement in last month's coup attempt that left more than 270 people dead.
The United States and the EU have urged the Turkish government to show restraint in its crackdown at home, where tens of thousands of troops, police, and bureaucrats have been detained, dismissed, or investigated for alleged links to the coup.
Based on reporting by Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
