ISTANBUL Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed regional defense and security issues, especially Syria , in a phone call on Tuesday, Türkiye 's Defense Ministry said on X. Güler and Austin also discussed bilateral ties during the call, the ministry added. Austin emphasized that close and continuous coordination is crucial to a successful effort to counter ISIL in the country, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. They also