India Takes On Turkey, Slams Unilateral Military Offensive In Syria

Indian on Thursday expressed deep concern at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria and has called upon it to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

“We are deeply concerned at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria. Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism. Its action also has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress,” Ministry of External Affairs said. 

“We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We urge the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion,” the statement issued by MEA reads. 

Turkey has launched an assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria. It started intensive bombardment after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the attack on Twitter.  

The assault started with jets and artillery targeting Kurdish positions followed by a ground operation late in the evening, the Turkish defence ministry said.

According to reports, at least eight civilians and seven Kurdish fighters were killed on Wednesday in various locations along the border, including in the city of Qamishli, a war monitor said.

The assault became imminent ever since US President Donald Trump announced a military pullback from the border. However, he hoped that Turkey would ‘act rationally’. He even warned Turkey of tougher moves than sanctions if Turkey doesn’t do the operations in as humane a way as possible.

"I will wipe out (Turkey's) his economy if that happens,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if he is concerned that the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will try to wipe out the Kurds.

“I will tell you that I do agree on sanctions, but I actually think much tougher than sanctions if he doesn't do it in as humane a way as possible. (Senator) Lindsey Graham and I feel differently. I think Lindsey would like to stay there for the next 200 years and maybe add a couple hundred thousand people every place. But I disagree with Lindsey on that,” he added.

With Agency Inputs