Contradictions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US Republicans continue to increase regarding the situation in Syria, writes the Financial Times, reports Focus.
On Monday, newly elected US President Donald Trump accused Turkey of a "hostile takeover of Syria". "They have wanted this for thousands of years and he (Erdogan) got it. These people who came in are controlled by Turkey. Turkey has carried out a hostile takeover of power without losing many lives," Trump said. In his words, Turkish leader Erdogan is "a smart man and very tough".
Calls for sanctions against Turkey
At the same time, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that sanctions would be imposed on Ankara if Turkey attacked US-allied Kurdish forces controlling parts of northern Syria. Tensions have already escalated after fighting broke out between pro-Turkish groups and the Kurds.
Preparing for a large-scale invasion
According to The Wall Street Journal, Turkey is planning a full-scale military invasion of territories controlled by the Kurds. The publication reports that Turkey and its allied forces are building military positions and massing forces along the border with Syria, which raises concerns among American officials about a possible large-scale offensive against the Kurds.
These steps by Turkey are straining relations between Ankara and Washington, especially against the backdrop of the support that the United States provides to the Kurds in the region.