US calls Turkish military operations in Syria unacceptable

Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdogan, announced on Sunday that the Turkish Army would conduct a military operation east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria, in an area controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), otherwise the top US ally in Syria, considered by Turkey as a terrorist organisation.

Turkish and American military officials met in Ankara in an effort to negotiate a deal and avoid invasion, and Esper said he believes they have made a move when it comes to key issues.

American officials have clarified that a military operation in northern Syria would be a very dangerous enterprise and could jeopardise the security of American forces co-operating with Syrian Kurds, as well as assist the Islamic State militants in the region.