Turkey calls on Nato to rebuff US border plan

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Nato to take a stance against the United States over plans to form a 30,000-strong Kurdishled border security force in Syria.

Turkey has been threatening to launch a new military offensive in Syria against Kurdish militias. The militas have been classed as terrorists because of their affiliation with outlawed Kurdish rebels fighting Turkey.

Mr Erdogan accused the US of creating an “army of terror” in Syria, along the border with Turkey, and vowed to crush the Usbacked border force.

He questioned Nato’s stance on the issue, saying: “You are obliged to make a stance against those who harass and violate the borders of your members.”

Nato’s headquarters described Turkey as “a highly valued ally” and said the alliance was committed to Turkey’s defence.

Ties between Turkey and the US have gradually deteriorated over American support of the Kurdish militia.