Trump ally Lindsey Graham threatens sanctions against Türkiye over Syria conflict

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has warned of potential sanctions against Türkiye in response to its military operations targeting American-backed Kurdish forces in Syria. Graham’s comments come amidst escalating tensions in northeastern Syria, where Turkish artillery and drone strikes have reportedly hit positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-supported coalition predominantly led by Kurdish groups.

Türkiye’s actions against the SDF are part of its ongoing efforts to neutralize groups it deems terrorists, including Kurdish militias affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Ankara’s position has long been clear: the PKK and its affiliates pose an existential threat to Turkish national security, warranting decisive military action. Over the weekend, Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces reportedly captured the strategic city of Manbij, forcing an SDF retreat. Turkish media described the operation as a campaign against Kurdish militias, intensifying the already fraught dynamics in the region.

The SDF, for its part, has accused Türkiye and its allies of waging an offensive aimed at destabilizing the area. Clashes between the Turkish-backed forces and the SDF have been reported near Manbij, a city northeast of Aleppo. As these developments unfold, Senator Graham has taken a strong stance, arguing that Türkiye’s military actions could have far-reaching consequences for both regional stability and US interests.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Graham stated, “We should not allow the Kurdish forces – who helped us destroy ISIS on President Trump’s watch – to be threatened by Turkey or the radical Islamists who have taken over Syria.” He emphasized the critical role Kurdish forces played in dismantling the Islamic State (ISIS) caliphate and highlighted the ongoing responsibility to safeguard the region’s stability.

Graham further warned that Türkiye’s operations could lead to a security disaster, including the potential release of roughly 50,000 ISIS prisoners currently held by Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. An “ISIS jailbreak,” he said, would be “a nightmare for America” and could reinvigorate the terrorist organization’s global network.

The senator acknowledged Türkiye’s “legitimate concerns” regarding various groups in northeastern Syria but maintained that military aggression against the SDF undermines broader US strategic objectives. Reiterating his previous efforts, Graham noted that he had drafted sanctions against Türkiye in the past and was prepared to lead a bipartisan push for similar measures if necessary.

The SDF has been a cornerstone of US policy in Syria throughout the country’s protracted civil war. Backed by American airpower and resources, the Kurdish-led coalition played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS, reclaiming significant territory from the terrorist group. However, this partnership has also created friction between Washington and Ankara, as the US support for the SDF is viewed by Türkiye as indirect support for Kurdish separatism.

The complexities of this relationship were underscored during previous Turkish incursions into northern Syria, where US forces largely refrained from intervening. This hands-off approach was seen by many as a betrayal of the SDF, which faced significant losses in its battles against Turkish forces. Graham’s latest remarks suggest a renewed focus on safeguarding America’s Kurdish allies, particularly in light of their role in counterterrorism operations.

The weekend’s developments have dramatically altered the political balance in Syria. Reports indicate that a coalition of opposition forces, led by Islamists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has captured Damascus and toppled President Bashar Assad’s regime. This sudden collapse of the government has created a power vacuum, with various factions, including the SDF, seeking to expand their influence.

The SDF’s move to consolidate control in eastern Syria has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. While the group’s actions may bolster its territorial claims, they also risk provoking further aggression from Türkiye, which views the SDF’s territorial ambitions as a direct threat to its border security.

Türkiye has consistently argued that its military operations in Syria are necessary to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability. Ankara has framed its actions as defensive measures aimed at preventing the establishment of a Kurdish-controlled corridor along its southern border. However, critics, including Graham, contend that Türkiye’s actions often exacerbate instability and hinder counterterrorism efforts.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of ISIS prisoners in SDF-held territory. The potential for these detainees to escape amid the chaos of renewed conflict underscores the high stakes of the current crisis. Graham’s warnings highlight the importance of maintaining a stable and secure environment to prevent ISIS from reemerging as a significant threat.

If Graham’s threat of sanctions materializes, it would mark a significant escalation in tensions between two NATO allies. Sanctions targeting Türkiye could impact its economy and strain its relationship with the US, potentially affecting broader NATO cohesion. At the same time, such measures would send a strong signal about Washington’s commitment to its Kurdish partners and its broader strategy in Syria.

The unfolding crisis in northeastern Syria underscores the complex interplay of local, regional, and international dynamics. As Türkiye pursues its military objectives, the US faces difficult decisions about how to balance its commitments to its Kurdish allies, its strategic interests in the fight against ISIS, and its partnership with Türkiye. Graham’s warnings about sanctions reflect the high stakes of this delicate balancing act and the potential consequences of missteps.

Whether the US chooses to act decisively or adopt a more cautious approach, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the future of Syria, the fight against terrorism, and the stability of NATO. As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on Washington and Ankara to see how they navigate this challenging and volatile landscape.

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