Mattis Meets With Senior Turkish Leaders in Ankara

Possible Discussion on the Future of Incirlik AFB?

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Aug. 23, 2017 — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis today met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli in Ankara, Turkey's capital city, Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White said in a statement.

This was the first meeting between Mattis and Canikli, White said. The two leaders discussed the need for ongoing open and honest dialogue, the importance of integrity of Syria and Iraq and concern over Iran's malign influence in the region, she said.

Defeating ISIS

White said Mattis and Canikli further reaffirmed their shared resolve to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Later in the day, Mattis met with the Turkish president, and the two leaders discussed regional security and strategy, White said.

White said Mattis expressed to Erdoğan the United States' commitment to its bilateral relationship with Turkey.

Mattis also addressed Turkey's legitimate security concerns, White said.

Mattis and Erdoğan expressed a shared interest for the two countries to create conditions for a more stable and secure region, she said

OIR Officials: 2 U.S. Service Members Killed, 5 Injured in Northern Iraq

Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve logo. DoD graphic  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

OIR Officials: 2 U.S. Service Members Killed, 5 Injured in Northern Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Aug. 13, 2017 — Two U.S. service members were killed and five others were injured conducting combat operations in northern Iraq today, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Initial reports indicate the incident was not due to enemy contact.

The incident is under investigation.

"The entire counter-ISIS Coalition sends our deepest condolences to these heroes' families, friends and teammates," said Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.

Townsend added, "There are no words to describe the respect I have for you and sorrow I have for your loss. I hope there is some small solace in knowing their loss has meaning for our country and all the nations of the coalition as the fallen service members were fighting to defeat a truly evil enemy and to protect our homelands."

Further information will be released as appropriate.

In accordance with policy, the coalition defers casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities