US reconnaissance plane supplying Turkey with intelligence

TOLGA TANIŞ

WASHINGTON – Hürriyet

A United States reconnaissance plane called EP–3E, which specializes in intercepting communication and radar signals, has allegedly been relaying critical intelligence to the Turkish military about the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, movements.

The U.S. ambassador to Ankara, Francis J. Ricciardone, however, refused to disclose any further information regarding his earlier claims that the U.S. incurred about $400 million in annual costs, or about $ 1 million a day, assisting Turkey to help fight terrorism.

“The PKK also knows that we are [assisting Turkey in her fight.] They must be wondering why the targeting is so accurate,” said Ricciardone who added he would not be able to divulge any details about intelligence disbursements, while talking to members of press in Istanbul on Wednesday.

The U.S. military unit that supplies information to the Turkish military is called VQ–2, or Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, originally founded in 1955. The EP–3E reconnaissance planes, allegedly relay key intelligence about PKK movements to the Turkish military, are reportedly part of this unit, which operates under the U.S. Navy. The unit is located on Whidbey Island, but in case it is involved in PKK-related operations, it would then be serving under the command of the 6th U.S. Fleet, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Naval Command.

Real-time intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Turkey in order to supply critical information about PKK movements to the Turkish military was formally agreed upon by Prime Minister Erdoğan and former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2007.

Ambassador Ricciardone also said political and military cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey always was and still is strong during his visit to the 2011 International Defense Industry Fair, or IDEF, in Istanbul between May 10 and 13. The U.S. diplomat added that Turkish and American military personnel, diplomats and civilians were working shoulder to shoulder to maintain peace and security in the world, citing Libya and Somalia as examples of successful cooperation between the two countries. Ricciardone further said as the defense industry grows, it would prove to be one of the primary links in economic ties between Turkey and the U.S.

Ricciardone’s comments had come after Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çiçek and Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül claimed the U.S. did not back Turkey in its fight against the outlawed PKK at the same level as Ankara helped the U.S. in its global fight against al-Qaeda.

The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

via US reconnaissance plane supplying Turkey with intelligence – Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review.