WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration has announced it will arm Syria’s Kurdish fighters “as necessary” to recapture the key Islamic State group stronghold of Raqqa, despite intense opposition from NATO ally Turkey, which sees the Kurds as terrorists.
The decision is meant to accelerate the Raqqa operation but undermines the Turkish government’s view that the Syrian Kurdish group known as the YPG is an extension of a Kurdish terrorist organization that operates in Turkey. Washington is eager to retake Raqqa, arguing it is a haven for IS operatives looking to plan attacks on the West.
Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana W. White said in a written statement that President Donald Trump authorized the arms Monday. She said his approval gives the Pentagon the go-ahead to “equip Kurdish elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces.