Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense or State Department

U.S. Officials Warn Turkey Prepares for Imminent Military Incursion into Kobani, Kurdish-Controlled Areas in Syria

Dec 17, 2024, 04:56 AM

Senior U.S. officials have expressed concerns regarding Turkey's military buildup along the Syrian border, indicating that Ankara may be preparing for a significant incursion into areas controlled by American-backed Kurdish forces. Reports from the Wall Street Journal highlight that Turkish forces and allied militias are amassing near Kobani, a Kurdish-dominated region. The buildup has raised alarms about a potential large-scale operation targeting the Kurdish forces, specifically the YPG, which the U.S. supports. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Turkish artillery and commandos, suggesting that an operation could be imminent. U.S. officials have urged President-elect Donald Trump to exert pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reconsider any aggressive actions.