During a telephone conversation on Sunday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between the two countries to prevent further escalation of the volatile situation in Syria. This is noted in a readout provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder.

According to Ryder, the defense chiefs of the two countries discussed the "developments in Syria." Austin "emphasized that the United States is watching closely the statements and actions of the various opposition groups in Syria." The US and Turkish defense chiefs "agreed that these groups must take steps to protect civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, and abide by international humanitarian norms."

Also, Austin and Guler "reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between the United States and Turkiye to prevent further escalation of an already volatile situation, as well as to avoid any risk to U.S. forces and partners," as well as to fight against the ISIS terrorist group.

The head of the Pentagon "acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns, and discussed the risks posed by ISIS and other malign actors in the region."