WASHINGTON: The US is lifting sanctions imposed on Turkey nine days ago over its offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, President Donald Trump says.
His decision came after Russia agreed with Turkey to deploy troops to extend a ceasefire along the Syrian border.
Turkey’s assault began after Trump’s unexpected move to withdraw US troops from northern Syria earlier this month.
“Let someone else fight over this long bloodstained sand,” the president said in a TV address from the White House.
He was heavily criticized by both Democrats and Republicans for the abrupt military pullout, as the Kurds targeted by Turkey had been key US allies in the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) in the region.
Turkey ordered the military operation against the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia – which it considers a terrorist organization – on 9 October, days after the US withdrawal was announced. (Agencies)
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