Intel: US engages Turkey over Kabul airport security
Ankara could leave some troops in Afghanistan if Washington provides support.
The Biden administration continues to talk with Turkish officials about Ankara’s proposal to take over security at Kabul International Airport after US and NATO forces leave Afghanistan later this summer.
The discussions come ahead of President Joe Biden’s planned first meeting since taking office with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid deteriorated ties between the two NATO allies.
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Monday that Turkey could provide forces to secure Kabul’s airport after Western forces leave Afghanistan if his government’s “political, financial and logistical support” requests were met by allies.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday that he could not confirm those requests, but said to Al-Monitor that talks about the proposal continue.
