Is Turkey supporting ISIS? Evidence ?

Introduction

Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian conflict has led to allegations of indirect support for ISIS, particularly during the early years of the Syrian civil war. Here are key points regarding Turkey’s position:

Allegations of Collaboration

There have been persistent accusations that Turkey allowed its border to serve as a “jihadist highway,” facilitating the movement of ISIS fighters and supplies into Syria. Critics argue that Turkey’s initial inaction against ISIS was motivated by its desire to weaken Kurdish forces, which it views as a threat due to their links to the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party)

Evidence Turkey support of ISiS

Evidence of Turkey’s support for Islamist groups in Syria includes various documented instances of military, logistical, and financial assistance:

Military Cooperation

A Columbia University study confirmed that Turkey provided military support to ISIS, including weapons and medical services. An ISIS commander noted that many fighters and supplies came via Turkey.

Logistical Support

Reports indicate that Turkish officials facilitated the movement of Islamist fighters across the border, with directives to increase logistical support for groups in Hatay province. Turkish border authorities allegedly stamped passports for foreign militants seeking to join ISIS.

Training and Medical Care

There are claims that Turkey trained ISIS fighters and provided medical care to them in Turkish hospitals. An ISIS commander stated that high-level members received treatment in Turkey.

Support for Other Islamist Groups

Turkey has also been linked to supporting groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former al-Nusra Front, which has received arms and logistical backing from Ankara despite being labeled a terrorist organization by Turkey.

Financial Transactions

Reports have indicated that Turkey was involved in purchasing oil from ISIS, facilitating its financial operations.

These points illustrate a complex relationship where Turkey has been accused of enabling various Islamist factions while simultaneously combating groups it perceives as threats, particularly the Kurdish forces in the region.

Support for Rebel Groups

Turkey has supported various rebel factions, including some with Islamist affiliations, which complicates its stance against ISIS.

While Turkey has taken military action against ISIS in the past, its primary focus has often been on countering Kurdish groups rather than ISIS itself. They gave green light to HTS to bring down Assad government.

Military Operations

Turkey has conducted military operations against both ISIS and Kurdish forces in northern Syria. While it has targeted ISIS positions, these actions are often framed within a broader strategy to diminish Kurdish influence along its border .

Current Dynamics

As the conflict evolves, Turkey continues to navigate its relationships with various factions in Syria, balancing its opposition to both ISIS and Kurdish forces while seeking to maintain influence in the region .

Conclusion

Turkey seems to officially opposes ISIS and has engaged militarily against it, allegations of indirect support through negligence or strategic choices persist, particularly regarding its approach to Kurdish groups that have fought against ISIS.

Erdogan cannot be trusted as his goal is to remove Syrian Kurds and have 4 million refugees return to Syria. They also want to maintain regional dominance using HTS