WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has lifted the sanctions he imposed on Turkey last week over its offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
The 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 move to withdraw the United States (US) troops from northern Syria earlier this month.
“The sanctions will be lifted unless something happens that we’re not happy with,” Trump said on Wednesday.
Trump 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 in the region.
Turkey ordered the military operation against the Kurdish People’s Protection Units militia – which it considered a terrorist organization on Oct. 9 – days after the US withdrawal was announced.
Trump said Turkey assured him that it would halt fighting in the region and would make the recently agreed ceasefire permanent.(BBC)
