U.S. Senators Threaten Sanctions Against Turkey

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Lindsey Graham are poised to introduce sanctions against Turkey if President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fails to enforce a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria. This ultimatum follows increased attacks by Turkish-backed forces against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which the U.S. supports in combating ISIS. The senators assert that Turkey's actions undermine regional security and jeopardize the U.S. mission in the area, especially after a recent ceasefire expired and the situation remains unstable post-Assad regime. They demand a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarized zone, particularly around the city of Kobani. The U.S. currently maintains about 900 troops in the region to assist Kurdish forces, which Turkey considers linked to the terrorist PKK. Should Turkey refuse to comply, the sanctions could target top officials, including Erdogan, as well as key sectors of the Turkish economy.