The United States criticized the clashes between Turkish military forces and Turkey-backed militias against the Kurds and several other armed groups in northern Syria, describing these conflicts as 'unacceptable.' Brett McGurk, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, tweeted on Monday, September 8, that the parties involved should focus on the fight against ISIS. In recent days, Turkish military forces have entered Syria to assist militias equipped by the Turkish army in taking areas in northern Syria from the control of ISIS and the Kurds. Meanwhile, the Kurds and Arabs fighting against ISIS under the name 'Syrian Democratic Forces' are being trained by U.S. special forces. On Monday, Turkey also accused Syrian Kurds of 'ethnic cleansing' in northern Syria, warning once again that if the Kurds do not retreat to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, they will be targeted for further attacks. According to AFP, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated, 'The People's Protection Units (the Kurdish militia group in Syria) must first go to the eastern bank of the Euphrates. As long as this does not happen, they are considered our target.' Turkey claims that Kurdish militants have engaged in 'ethnic cleansing' in northern Syria, which even includes Kurds themselves. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, reported that around 40 civilians were killed in Turkish army attacks in Syria on Sunday.
USA: Conflict between Turkey and Kurds in Northern Syria is Unacceptable
The U.S. condemned the recent clashes between Turkish forces and Kurdish militias in northern Syria, urging all parties to focus on combating ISIS. Turkey has threatened further attacks on Kurdish forces unless they retreat to the eastern bank of the Euphrates, amid accusations of ethnic cleansing. This situation is critical as it affects regional stability and U.S. interests in the fight against ISIS.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. condemned the clashes between Turkish forces and Kurdish militias in northern Syria, urging all parties to focus on combating ISIS. Turkey has threatened further attacks on Kurdish forces unless they retreat to the eastern bank of the Euphrates, amid accusations of ethnic cleansing.
- Around 40 civilians were reported killed in Turkish army attacks in Syria.
- Turkey has accused Kurdish militants of ethnic cleansing in northern Syria.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Kurdish population in Syria has been a key player in the fight against ISIS, but their aspirations for autonomy have led to tensions with Turkey. The U.S. has supported Kurdish forces, complicating relations with Turkey.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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