Twenty-seven members of the U.S. Congress have urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to suspend the export of drone technology to Turkey, according to the opposition Turkish newspaper "Zaman." The Congress members stated that "the drones produced by Turkey using technology exported from Washington threaten U.S. interests, allies, and partners, and cause instability in many countries."
They mentioned Turkey's shipment of drones to Azerbaijan during the conflict with Armenia in September, noting that these drones were also used against the Kurdish People's Protection Units, a U.S. partner in Syria, and played a role in the war in Libya. They argued that "the transfer of American technology to Turkey violates sanctions under the Counterterrorism Act," demanding an immediate halt to exports to Turkey.
In the letter addressed to Blinken, the members highlighted Turkey's intention to purchase a second batch of Russian S-400 missiles, accusing Ankara of continuing to take steps against NATO members. It is noteworthy that Secretary of State Antony Blinken enacted sanctions against Turkey for its purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia soon after he took office, following a similar letter from Congress. The letter from Congress members featured signatures from politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
