US Defence Minister Lloyd Austin expressed concern as regards the escalation of action in northern Syria as well as Turkey’s recent airstrikes during a telephone conversation with Turkish Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar.
According to the statement issued by the US Department of National Defence, Austin expressed concern over escalating action in northern Syria and Turkey, including recent airstrikes, some of which directly threatened the safety of U.S. personnel who are working with local partners in Syria to defeat ISIS. Secretary Austin called for de-escalation, and shared the Department’s strong opposition to a new Turkish military operation in Syria.
Ostin also offered condolences for the loss of lifes in the Istanbul attack on November 13, and subsequent attacks in southern Turkey.
Source: Cyprus News Agency