Trump Slams Erdogan Over Syria But Turkey Disputes Account
- Call follows Turkish moves to crack down on U.S.-backed Kurds
- Turkey sent tanks and warplanes across Syrian border Sunday
A Turkish soldier looks out over the border wall to Syria in Kilis, Turkey.
Photographer: Chris McGrath/Getty Images EuropeThis article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump warned Turkey against expanding its military offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, telling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that such action could lead to direct conflict with U.S. forces, the White House said.
Trump urged Turkey “to deescalate, limit its military actions, and avoid civilian casualties and increases to displaced persons and refugees,” the White House said Wednesday in a readout of Trump’s call with Erdogan. “He urged Turkey to exercise caution and to avoid any actions that might risk conflict between Turkish and American forces.”