US approves Turkish operation in Syria — RT World News

Turkey has a right to defend itself, the White House said on Tuesday, even though its “Claw-Sword” operation in Syria may make it difficult for US-backed Kurdish militias to fight Islamic State terrorists ( IS, formerly ISIS).

Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Türkiye “continues to face a legitimate terrorist threat, particularly in its south. They certainly have the right to defend themselves and their citizens.

However, Turkish cross-border operations “could force a reaction from some of our SDF partners, which would limit their ability to continue the fight against ISIS,” Kirby added.

SDF stands for Syrian Democratic Forces, a US-backed militia that currently controls northeastern Syria. The bulk of the SDF fighters are made up of the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara considers a branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The Turkish military launched an aerial and artillery bombardment in northern Syria and Iraq on Sunday, blaming the Kurds for the November 13 bombing on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul that killed six people and injured 81 others.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar reported on Monday that nearly 200 “The Terrorists” had been neutralized during the first 48 hours of the operation.

“We know the identity, location and background of the terrorists. We also know very well who sponsors, arms and encourages terrorists,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday during a visit to Artvin province, on the border with Georgia.

“Let’s hope we root out all the terrorists as soon as possible,” he added.

Ankara has yet to send troops across the border into Syria, but unconfirmed reports from the region indicate that Turkish-backed Syrian militias have been put on heightened alert.