Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar called on the United States to "show understanding" about a possible new Turkish military "operation" in Syria after Washington voiced its "strong opposition" to such a move, Reuters reported.

"The U.S. asked us to re-evaluate. We conveyed to them our sensitivities and thoughts, and asked them to keep their promises. We emphasised that they should understand us," Akar told reporters.

Turkey also asked allied countries with a military presence in Syria not to allow local militias to use their flags and uniforms, Akar added. "We are reminding them that they should keep terrorists away from themselves and eventually they should cut their ties with terrorist organisations," he said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier told his Turkish counterpart of his "strong opposition" to the new Turkish military operation in Syria and expressed concern about the escalating situation in the country.