Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler to discuss developments in Syria. Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is watching closely the statements and actions of the various opposition groups in Syria. Both he and Minister Guler agreed that these groups must take steps to protect civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, and abide by international humanitarian norms. Secretary Austin and Minister Guler both 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, and the Defeat-ISIS Mission. The Secretary acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns, and discussed the risks posed by ISIS and other malign actors in the region.