US President Donald Trump threatened Turkey that they will “devastate Turkey economically” if Turkey was to hit Kurds.

US President Donald Trump posted to Twitter and announced that they will also be forming a “20 mile safe zone” if Turkey attacks Kurds. 

Trump said:

“Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone."

Another tweet by Trump read: "Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!"

RISING TENSIONS

The vocal tensions have risen considerably between the US and Turkey in recent weeks over Syria. This is the first time a US president has threatened Turkey so openly. Turkey stands out as an important NATO ally.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement on January 13 and said he is optimistic that they will reach an agreement with Turkey in the protection of the YPG. Pompeo said: “The Turkish people and Erdogan have the right to protect their country from terrorists. Meanwhile, we know that those who fight alongside us deserve protection.”

Pompeo had issued a warning about the possibility of Turkey enacting a massacre against Kurds. Pompeo spoke to Newsmax TV in early January and said, “The importance of making sure Turks don't massacre Kurds is the protection of religious minorities in Syria. All these are still part of the US mission.”

TURKEY'S UNCONVINCING CLAIMS

Turkey responded to President Trump’s latest threat. Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin posted on Twitter and claimed that Turkey “fights terrorists, not Kurds.”

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun posted on social media and said, “The Republic of Turkey is not an enemy of Kurds, we are their tutelar. Turkey has no problem with Kurds.”

The Turkish Defense Ministry shared a post by Erdogan from 2015 where Erdogan had said, “I am calling on all the world: Whatever the price may be, we will never allow a state to be founded to the north of Syria and south of Turkey.”