Turkey has made it clear that it wants to dismantle the Kurdish military forces in northern Syria. These forces, especially the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have been a major ally of the United States in the fight against Islamic State (IS).

Guler emphasised that Turkey is interested in stabilising the region and is monitoring the actions of other countries in Syria.

Turkey is ready to provide military support to Syria's new Islamist-led government set up by rebels who overthrew Bashar Al Assad if it requests it, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said on Sunday. He said the new leadership should be given "a chance" and that Turkey was "ready to provide the necessary support" if needed,