Mike Pompeo issues warning to Turkey against northern Syria intervention
MIKE POMPEO issued a stark warning to Turkey against any military in Syria after meeting the country’s foreign minister.
The US has issued a bold warning to Turkey (Image: GETTY)
The Secretary of State claimed any Turkish military action would have “devastating results” in his meeting with Mevlut Cavusoglu. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to hit the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as tensions remain high in the region. A statement from the State Department said: “Secretary Pompeo expressed support for ongoing negotiations regarding northeast Syria, while warning of the potentially devastating consequences of unilateral Turkish military action in the region.”
The Kurdish forces joined with western troops in taking on ISIS in Syria but Ankara has still linked the group to the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK).
The PKK has been in an almost constant conflict with Turkey as the group tries to achieve its aim of creating an independent Kurdish state.
Following his meeting with the Secretary of State, Mr Cavusoglu also insisted that the US lacked a “clear strategy” in Syria.
He added: “Different positions, different statements are coming from institutions and departments here in the United States.
Mike Pompeo met with Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss a range of topicsMike Pompeo met with Mevlut Cavuso (Image: GETTY)
“There is no clear strategy, that’s the problem.”
Turkey has continued to maintain that it has the right under international law to defend against national security threats including any potential danger posed in northern Syria.
The state has also carried two-cross border operations in the region.
Turkey has carried out two operations in northern Syria; Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016 an Operation Olive Branch in 2018 to push out terrorist groups such as Daesh.
MIke Pompeo voiced his concerns over Turkey’s detention of US citizens (Image: GETTY)
The meeting between the two diplomats comes as the US suspended it’s delivery of the F-35 jet after Turkey’s decision to purchase the Russian-made S-400 missile system.
Mr Pompeo also voiced concerns over Turkey’s detention of US consulate employees and US citizen Serkan Golge.
Mr Golge was jailed on terror charges amid a sweeping national crackdown.
This week Turkey also released footage of its new hypersonic rail gun which China, the US and Russia have all sort to develop.