US condemns cross border attack from Syria against Turkey

The U.S. State Department has condemned a cross-border attack from northern Syria against Turkey, a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signaled a new operation against the YPG over the death of two Turkish police officers in northern Syria's Azaz region in a guided missile attack.

Tuesday October 12 2021 11:47 pm

Turkish soldiers conduct road checks in northern Syria in this file photo.

Duvar English - Reuters

The United States has condemned a cross-border attack from Syria against Turkey, the State Department said on Oct. 12, a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a warning on possible "steps" against the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria.

"We express our condolences to the family of two Turkish police officers killed in Syria," said the U.S. State Department.

Erdoğan on Oct. 11 signaled a new operation against the YPG, saying the latest attack that killed two Turkish police was "the final straw."

"The latest attack on our police and the harassment that targets our soil are the final straw. We will take steps for the solution of these problems as soon as possible," Erdoğan said.

Two Turkish police officers were killed on Oct. 10 in a guided missile attack in northern Syria's Azaz region, which Turkey said was launched by the YPG.

Between August 2016 and the present, Turkey has launched three military operations in northern Syria.

Turkey considers the YPG as a terrorist organization, due to the group's links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Turkish officials are saying that they will never accept a U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria, whereas the U.S. sees the YPG as distinct from the PKK and also as a key partner in the fight against ISIS.

Topics Turkey YPG Erdoğan Syria US State Department