Erdogan angry that S-400 continues to be harassed, challenges the US to impose sanctions …

ANKARA – President Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan poured out his anger at United States (US) who constantly interfere with purchasing and operations S-400 missile defense system made in Russia. He even challenged Washington to impose sanctions on Ankara.

Speaking in his Malat City, the Turkish leader stressed that Ankara will continue to deploy its S-400 missile system, and will not be bothered by any threats or sanctions. (Read: Erdogan: Russian S-400 test, Turkey will not consult US!)

“You do not know who you are dealing with !,” he said, referring to America.

“Whatever sanctions you have, don’t leave us waiting – introduce them. We pay the F-35. You threaten us. You say, ‘Send the S-400s back to Russia.’ We are not a tribal state. We are Turkey,” said Erdogan. as quoted from Russia Today, Monday (26/10/2020). (Read: Turkey finally admits it has tested Russia’s S-400 missile system)

Erdogan’s scolding emerged in response to recent remarks by the Pentagon, which, on Friday, condemned Turkey’s tests of the advanced Russian-made S-400 missile system. The Pentagon or US Department of Defense said it condemned the test “in the strongest possible terms”, and warned that Ankara’s activities might have “serious consequences for US-Turkey security relations”.

“We have been clear and firm in our position; the operational system of the S-400 is inconsistent with Turkey’s commitments as a US and NATO ally,” said the Pentagon. (Read: Russian Media: Turkey’s S-400 Missile System Tests Failed)

The Turkish military, however, insists that is not the case. On Saturday, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke about the S-400 issue. In a much calmer tone than Erdogan’s, the minister insisted that procuring the S-400 did not mean Turkey was isolating itself from NATO.

Akar then blamed other countries in the alliance, including Greece, of operating Russian-made weapons, the S-300 air defense system. According to him, Greece carried out a covert attack on its neighbors and became a competitor to Turkey. (Also read: Turkey is still eyeing the US Patriot missile system despite possessing Russia’s S-400)

The purchase of the S-400 has been a major issue in US-Turkish relations for months. The controversial procurement resulted in Turkey’s exclusion from the American F-35 fighter jet program, and the country is threatened with additional restrictions.

Ankara bought the S-400 from Russia as part of a $ 2.5 billion contract last year, and the system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020.

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