The United States is categorically opposed to a new Turkish military operation in Syria. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin stated this during a telephone conversation with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
“He also expressed concern over the escalation of military operations in northern Syria, including recent airstrikes, several of which directly threatened the safety of American personnel working with local partners in Syria toward the defeat of the ‘Islamic State’,” the statement published on the US Department of Defense website said.
The Pentagon chief called on the parties to de-escalate.
He also expressed condolences over the deaths of people as a result of the explosion in Istanbul, and reaffirmed the importance of the strategic relationship between the US and Turkey.
It should be recalled that Turkey has been conducting an air operation since 20 November against Kurdish formations in northern Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not ruled out that these operations will be followed by a ground operation.
