Turkey is attacking Kurds in northeastern Syria – they say they’ve struck 181 sites already – a move just days after President Trump pulled U.S. soldiers out of the region. Turkish President Erdogan announced the start of military operations on Twitter, writing that they intend to prevent the creation of a terror corridor across their southern border.
The problem with that? The Kurds in Syria were a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS. And while Trump's decision to withdraw troops has been met with harsh criticism by leaders of both parties in Congress, he has been unbowed. Talking with reporters at the White House, Trump says Turkey's military operation into northeastern Syria is a "bad idea."
The White House has also released a statement from the President saying the U.S. “does not endorse Turkey's action” and that he is holding Turkey responsible for ensuring all ISIS fighters in captivity remain in prison and that the Islamic State does not make a comeback. He said the U.S. is monitoring the situation closely.
Not willing to wait, Senators from both sides of the aisle are pushing for sanctions against Turkey for launching its assault. Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland came up with a bill that would punish Turkish leaders, including the president and vice president. It would also target Turkey's energy sector and military. Graham says he expects strong bipartisan support for the measure because the Trump administration "refuses to act against Turkey."
Source: ABC News