Despite the opposition & repeated warnings from the U.S. & international community, Turkish President Erdogan ordered a unilateral invasion of northern Syria that has resulted in widespread casualties, refugees, destruction, insecurity & a growing threat to U.S. military forces.
Due to Turkey's irresponsible actions, the risk to US forces in NE Syria has reached an unacceptable level. We are also at risk of being engulfed in a broader conflict. Therefore at @POTUS' direction DoD is executing a deliberate withdrawal of US military personnel from NE Syria.
Turkey's unilateral action was unnecessary and impulsive. President Erdogan bears full responsibility for its consequences, to include a potential ISIS resurgence, possible war crimes, and a growing humanitarian crisis.
I will be visiting @NATO next week where I plan to press our other NATO allies to take collective & individual diplomatic & economic measures in response to these egregious Turkish actions. See my full statement here: go.usa.gov/xVufa
