Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III had a phone conversation with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The discussion centered on the recent terrorist attack in Ankara on October 23.

During the call, Secretary Austin expressed his condolences for the tragic event and acknowledged Türkiye's legitimate security concerns. He also addressed Türkiye's recent military operations in Syria, emphasizing the necessity to avoid civilian harm.

Austin reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between the United States and Türkiye to prevent any risk to U.S. forces involved in the Defeat-ISIS Mission. Additionally, he congratulated Minister Güler on Türkiye's 101st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.