In a bipartisan move, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have threatened to impose strict sanctions on Turkey unless it agrees to a ceasefire with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces. The senators argue that Turkey’s ongoing military actions in northern Syria undermine regional stability and endanger America’s Kurdish allies who have been key partners in the fight against ISIS.
“The Turkish government’s aggression against the Syrian Kurds is unacceptable,” Van Hollen said in a joint statement with Graham. “If President Erdoğan does not immediately cease hostilities, Congress will move swiftly to enact economic sanctions that will cripple their economy.”
Graham emphasized the critical importance of supporting the Syrian Kurds, describing them as “America’s closest allies in the fight against ISIS.” He added, “Turkey’s actions are a betrayal of NATO principles and a dangerous escalation that threatens U.S. national security interests.”
The senators’ proposal includes targeting Turkish financial institutions, imposing travel bans on Turkish officials, and restricting military transactions. The move signals growing bipartisan frustration with Ankara’s military operations and comes amid rising concerns over civilian casualties and displacement in the region.
While the Biden administration has urged Turkey to de-escalate, Congress appears poised to take a harder line. “Turkey must understand that there will be severe consequences if it continues down this path,” Van Hollen said.
The proposed sanctions highlight ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Turkey, a NATO ally, over its actions in Syria and treatment of the Kurdish forces. It remains to be seen how Ankara will respond to this latest pressure from Washington.
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