Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Turkey's economy over Syria attack

AFP

US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Turkey's economy if Ankara takes a planned military strike in Syria too far.

This comes after he ordered to pull out 50 American special forces troops from northeastern Syria, leaving the Kurdish-led partner forces vulnerable.

His decision had drawn severe criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from his fellow Republicans.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

His remarks met an angry response in Turkey as the nation completed preparations for the military operation.

More from International News

  • India inspects spice makers over alleged contamination

    India is inspecting facilities of spice makers MDH and Everest for compliance with quality standards after sales of some of their products were halted in Hong Kong and Singapore for allegedly containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

  • Israeli media predict offensive in Gaza's Rafah soon

    Israel is poised to send troops into Rafah, the Gazan city it sees as the last bastion of Hamas, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, saying preparations were under way to evacuate war-displaced Palestinian civilians who have been sheltering there.

  • Russia detains ally of Defence Minister Shoigu for corruption

    A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

  • Trump meets with Japan's former prime minister Aso

    Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, a senior figure in the country's ruling party, met with Donald Trump on Tuesday, becoming the latest US ally seeking to establish ties with the Republican presidential candidate.

Blogs