The accusation that Turkey has provided radical Islamists in Syria with weapons, and keeps doing so, continues to be voiced despite government officials' denials. Ankara’s reluctance to get actively involved in the US-led military coalition against the Islamic State (IS) and other radical groups in Syria is also fueling the debate.
Speculation about Turkish aid to radical groups fighting the Assad regime has been re-energized by a trial of gendarmerie officers and prosecutors in Istanbul. They are accused of membership in a “terrorist organization” set up by Fetullah Gulen to allegedly undermine President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and topple the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).