Trump threatens Turkey with economic devastation if it attacks Syrian Kurd militia
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Turkey with economic devastation if it attacks a U.S.-allied Kurdish militia in Syria, weakening the Turkish lira and prompting sharp criticism from Ankara on Monday. Emily Wither reports.
Trump’s extraordinary warning to a NATO ally saw the Turkish lira slide against the dollar and prompted backlash from Ankara.
U.S. President said on Twitter the US was starting the military pull-out from Syria, but would continue its offensives against remaining Isis fighters there.
“Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms,” he wrote. “Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone... Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey.”
The lira fell as much as 1.6 percent to 5.5450 against the dollar in the hours after Trump’s comments.
