Turkey says it will not send more troops to Afghanistan for airport security: Reports

Turkey will not send additional troops to Afghanistan as part of a plan to run and secure Kabul’s airport following the US and NATO pull-out from the country, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar was cited as saying on Wednesday.

Turkey has offered to guard and run Hamid Karzai airport after NATO’s withdrawal and has been holding talks with allies, namely the United States, on logistic and financial support for the mission.

A US delegation will hold talks on the matter in Ankara on Thursday, Turkey’s defense ministry said.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Middle East Top US commander in Afghanistan says steps to end military mission launched

“We already have a presence there,” Akar was cited as saying by state broadcaster TRT Haber, referring to some 500 troops in Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. “What is essential is the continuation of our presence at the airport,” he said, adding talks were still underway.

Read more:

Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban spokesman

Turkey offers to ‘ensure security of Kabul airport’ after NATO withdrawal: Officials

Afghanistan’s Taliban rejects invite to peace summit in Turkey: Spokesman