The US Secretary of Defense informs his Turkish counterpart of US strong opposition to a new Turkish military operation in Syria

The Pentagon said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told his Turkish counterpart on Wednesday his “strong opposition” to a new Turkish military operation in Syria, and expressed concern about the escalation of the situation in the country.

It added that Austin, in a phone call, offered his condolences for the victims of the November 13 attack in Istanbul.

“He also expressed concern about the escalating situation in northern Syria and Türkiye, including recent airstrikes, some of which directly threatened the safety of US personnel working with local partners in Syria to defeat ISIS,” the department said in a statement.

“Secretary Austin called for de-escalation and expressed the Department of Defense’s strong opposition to a new Turkish military operation in Syria,” the statement added.