US Pentagon concerned about Türkiye's military operation in Syria, Iraq

The US Department of Defense is deeply concerned by the escalating actions in northern Syria, Iraq, and Türkiye as this escalation threatens the progress made on the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. 

The Press Secretary of the US Pentagon, Patrick Ryder, gave this statement in a press release on November 23, published on the White House website. 

"Recent air strikes in Syria directly threatened the safety of US personnel who are working in Syria with local partners to defeat ISIS and maintain custody of more than ten thousand ISIS detainees. Moreover, uncoordinated military actions threaten Iraq’s sovereignty. Immediate de-escalation is necessary in order to maintain focus on the defeat-ISIS mission and ensure the safety and security of personnel on the ground committed to the defeat-ISIS mission". 

Ryder expressed the US's condolences on the loss of civilian life and noted that they recognize the Turkish need for their military operation titled "Claw-Lock", by stating, that "We are also concerned by reports of the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. As we call for de-escalation, we recognize Türkiye ’s legitimate security concerns. We will continue to discuss with Türkiye and our local partners maintaining ceasefire arrangements".