Coup attempt will affect US-Turkey relations

The failed coup in Turkey will impair the US’ operations in the region and affect relations with Ankara, a top American military commander said yesterday.

US Central Command Commander General Joseph Votel said a number of the US military’s closest allies in the Turkish military have been placed in jail following the coup attempt.

“We’ve certainly had relationships with a lot of Turkish leaders, military leaders in particular,” Votel said at the Aspen Security Forum meeting in Colorado. “I’m concerned about what the impact is on those relationships as we continue.”

Later, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said the failed coup and the government’s response to it have “affected all segments of the national security apparatus in Turkey.”

“Many of our interlocutors have been purged or arrested. There’s no question that this is going to set back and make more difficult the US’ Middle East strategy.”

Turkish President Erdogan has accused US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen of being the mastermind behind the coup attempt and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that ties with the US will be affected if the US does not extradite him.

The US military sees Turkey as a vital partner in its efforts to combat Daesh in Syria and Iraq.