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Turkey Threatens to Target U.S.-Backed Syrian Kurds

(Wall Street Journal) David Gauthier-Villars - Turkish President Erdogan said Wednesday, "We will start our operation in a few days to liberate areas east of the Euphrates River from terrorist organizations" - meaning a military intervention in northeastern Syria to combat U.S.-backed Kurdish rebels. Pentagon spokesman Navy Cmdr. Sean Robertson responded, "Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as U.S. personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern. We would find any such actions unacceptable." He also asserted that the Kurdish units are a "committed partner against [Islamic State]." The U.S. has established observation posts it says are intended to prevent any Kurdish attack on Turkey. However, Erdogan said, "[U.S.] radars and observation posts are not placed to protect Turkey from terrorists, but terrorists from Turkey."
2018-12-13 00:00:00
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