US special envoy James Jeffrey confirmed on Thursday that US officials remain divided on the question of supporting Turkey’s military invasion of Syria’s Idlib Province. Jeffrey attributed this to remaining anger at Turkey buying S-400 missiles from Russia.
Turkey decided Russian S-400 were a preferred air defense system to the more expensive US models, but the US argued that since they’re both in NATO they shouldn’t be using Russian products. Turkey bought anyhow, despite US objections.
Turkey is now seeking US Patriot missiles for the fight in Syria, and some see that as a chance to really rub Turkey’s nose in the S-400 dispute.
And while Jeffrey is only mentioning the S-400, there is likely also ongoing resentment over Turkey’s invasion of NE Syria, which was controlled by the US, forcing a major change in US policy.
Envoy: US Divided on Support for Turkey in Syria
Says Turkey's S-400 purchases remain a sore spot for US
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