A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on the State Department to halt Turkey’s reported plan to transfer Russian-made S-400 missile systems to Syria, citing threats to regional stability and US interests. In a letter to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (Florida) and Brad Schneider (Illinois) expressed alarm over discussions of the proposal at high-level diplomatic talks.
The lawmakers warned that deploying S-400 systems in Syria, particularly in the western corridor, could disrupt Israel’s operations against Iranian targets and Hezbollah supply lines, undermining Israel’s qualitative military edge—a priority long supported by the US. They also highlighted risks of operational control, noting that Turkish or Syrian management of the systems could lead to conflicts with Israel or increased strategic ambiguity in an already volatile region.
The letter emphasized that such a transfer would not resolve Turkey’s sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), as these were triggered by the system’s acquisition, not its location. The lawmakers argued that approving the move would weaken US sanctions credibility and set a dangerous precedent for Russian defense systems within NATO contexts.
Urging a thorough assessment, the lawmakers requested a classified briefing on the proposal’s implications for Israel’s security, US forces, and regional deterrence.
Correspondence: Lena Argyri Source Ertnews.gr