(MENAFN) US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that he will propose sanctions against NATO ally Turkey if it launches attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States. Graham, a staunch supporter of President Trump, argued that Turkish actions against the SDF would help the Islamic State (ISIS) and harm American interests. Recently, the SDF reported Turkish artillery and drone strikes near Manbij, with Turkish-backed Syrian forces capturing the city from Kurdish fighters.

Graham emphasized that the Kurdish forces, who played a key role in defeating ISIS, must not be threatened by Turkey or other radical groups in Syria. He also highlighted the risk of ISIS prisoners being freed if the SDF is attacked. While acknowledging Turkey’s security concerns, Graham stated that any Turkish military action against the Kurds would undermine US objectives in the region. He is prepared to draft bipartisan sanctions against Turkey, similar to measures he has proposed in the past.

MENAFN12122024000045015687ID1108985738