US will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds, the US President Donald Trump tweeted.
Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2019
On December 19, Trump voiced the decision to withdraw the US troops from Syria.
Last week, US security advisor John Bolton said that the withdrawal of US troops from Syria should take place in view of ensuring the security of those who fought with the United States against the ISIS and other terrorist groups.
Ankara, in turn, reacted sharply to Bolton's statement. Turkish President Recep Tayyip noted Turkey could launch an operation against Kurdish formations in northern Syria at any time after Bolton’s visit to Ankara.