WASHINGTON
A White House official has told Anadolu Agency that Turkey’s recent clashes with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants are not linked to strikes against Daesh.
Speaking anonymously on Friday, the U.S. official said Turkey had the right to defend itself from terrorism, adding that the current cycle of PKK violence began before Ankara and Washington decided to deepen cooperation on countering Daesh.
"We continue to underscore the need to return to the political process, and that Turkey’s response in acting in self-defense should take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and act consistent with international humanitarian law," the official added.
"What is most important is to break the current cycle of violence. The PKK must stop its attacks in Turkey.”
The PKK is considered to be a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union.
Last month, Turkey agreed to allow U.S.-led coalition forces to launch airstrikes against Daesh positions from Incirlik Air Base, which is located close to Turkey’s border with war-torn Syria.
