Amnesty accuses Turkey of ‘war crimes’ in Syria
BEIRUT:Turkish forces and Syrian rebel allies have committed “war crimes” including summary executions during their offensive in northeast Syria, Amnesty International said on Friday.
Amnesty accused Ankara’s forces of “serious violations and war crimes, summary killings and unlawful attacks” in the operation launched on October 9.
There was no immediate response from Ankara, which announced a suspension of the attacks late on Thursday, but it says all possible measures have been taken to avoid civilian casualties.
Ankara’s operation aims to remove the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) from areas near its border in northern Syria.
The offensive has killed at least 72 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
“Turkish military forces and a coalition of Turkey-backed Syrian armed groups have displayed a shameful disregard for civilian life,” Amnesty said.
SANCTIONS NO LONGER NECESSARY: TRUMP
WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump has said that America’s proposed economic sanctions on Ankara are no longer necessary after the US and Turkey struck a deal for a five-day ceasefire in Syria.
“Sanctions won’t be necessary because Turkey is doing what they’re doing,” Trump told reporters on Thursday as he congratulated his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for reaching a deal with the US.
“He’s a friend of mine and I’m glad we didn’t have a problem because frankly, he’s a hell of a leader and he’s a tough man. He’s a strong man. He did the right thing. And I really appreciate it. And I will appreciate it in the future,” Trump said.
POMPEO HOLDS TALKS WITH NETANYAHU
JERUSALEM: US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday as Trump’s policy changes on Syria sparked concern among Israelis.
Washington’s top diplomat and the veteran prime minister began the meeting on Friday morning at Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem.