US Experts Concerned About B61 Bombings in Incirlik Against Sanctions
The United States finds itself in a rather strange situation in connection with the sanctions imposed on the Turkish ministries of defense and energy. The fact is that on the eve of the American Ministry of Energy, which is also responsible for the US nuclear arsenal, it was announced about the possible removal of tactical B61 nuclear bombs from the Incirlik air base in Turkey. This was reported by The New York Times.
Reporters from the US Air Force Times, a member of the Pentagon pool, tried to clarify with the U.S. Air Force press office whether Washington was preparing to ship nuclear weapons from Incirlik. However, as reported, the press secretary of the department, Ann Stefanek, did not specifically answer the question of the publication. She stated that “for security reasons, service at the airbase continues as normal.”
If the “regular regime” implies the continuation of the storage of tactical nuclear bombs in Incirlik, now American reporters are waiting for official Ankara’s reaction to the announced sanctions. The concern that American experts show is related to the events of 45 years ago. Then, in 1974, the US Congress imposed an arms embargo on Turkey after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The Turkish authorities did not remain in debt and announced the closure of all military bases of the US Air Force on its territory with the transfer of ownership under the control of the command of the Turkish air force. The Turks could not completely close the Incirlik base for the United States, since it acted (and continues to act) within the framework of a previously signed NATO-format cooperation agreement.
However, now the situation is associated with great pressure from Washington. Not only the arms embargo was introduced, but also economic sanctions against two Turkish ministries at once. In response to this, Turkey may, as the American experts themselves believe, harshly answer Washington if the degree of tension does not decrease. Moreover, words are already circulating in the Turkish expert community that American sanctions cannot be left unanswered.
Photo from Incirlik Air Base
Reporters from the US Air Force Times, a member of the Pentagon pool, tried to clarify with the U.S. Air Force press office whether Washington was preparing to ship nuclear weapons from Incirlik. However, as reported, the press secretary of the department, Ann Stefanek, did not specifically answer the question of the publication. She stated that “for security reasons, service at the airbase continues as normal.”
If the “regular regime” implies the continuation of the storage of tactical nuclear bombs in Incirlik, now American reporters are waiting for official Ankara’s reaction to the announced sanctions. The concern that American experts show is related to the events of 45 years ago. Then, in 1974, the US Congress imposed an arms embargo on Turkey after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The Turkish authorities did not remain in debt and announced the closure of all military bases of the US Air Force on its territory with the transfer of ownership under the control of the command of the Turkish air force. The Turks could not completely close the Incirlik base for the United States, since it acted (and continues to act) within the framework of a previously signed NATO-format cooperation agreement.
However, now the situation is associated with great pressure from Washington. Not only the arms embargo was introduced, but also economic sanctions against two Turkish ministries at once. In response to this, Turkey may, as the American experts themselves believe, harshly answer Washington if the degree of tension does not decrease. Moreover, words are already circulating in the Turkish expert community that American sanctions cannot be left unanswered.
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