The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that communication with Turkey continues regarding the situation arising from the collapse of the Baath regime in Syria. "TURKEY HAS THE RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE"Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh made evaluations during the daily press briefing. Singh stated that the U.S. has a "great relationship" with its counterparts in Turkey regarding developments in Syria, noting, "We know that there are constantly changing dynamics on the ground. Turkey is certainly facing threats coming from Syria and has the right to self-defense." Singh also mentioned that the U.S. continues to communicate not only with Turkey regarding Syria but also with other parties, calling for a reduction in tensions and conflicts in the region. AVOIDED THE QUESTIONSingh, who claimed that the U.S. is only present in Syria to fight against ISIS and stated that communication with PKK/YPG terrorist groups, which use the name SDF in Syria, continues, avoided questions regarding the possible stance of the U.S. if conflicts between Turkey and these terrorist organizations increase. Singh pointed out that the regime change in Syria presents "a great opportunity and at the same time a great risk," asserting that there has been no change in the U.S. stance in the region, except for protecting its troops and fighting against ISIS. SULEYMAN SHAH TOMBIn response to a question from an AA reporter about whether there have been discussions with the U.S. regarding the relocation of the Suleyman Shah Tomb to its former site, Singh said, "Let me reiterate, we will continue to engage with Turkey. Our Foreign Minister is also traveling to discuss the overall situation in the region, and of course, we understand the threats Turkey is facing; I won't say anything more than that." The Suleyman Shah Tomb was relocated from the village of Karakozak, near Aleppo in Syria, to the village of Eşme in Syria, near the Turkish border, on February 22, 2015, as part of Operation Shah Fırat due to the conflicts surrounding it.
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