Trump says will 'devastate' Turkey's economy if they attack Kurds in Syria

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday, January 13 that the United States would "devastate Turkey economically" if the Muslim country attacks Kurds in Syria.

"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," Trump said in a tweet.

"Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds," but followed up in a second tweet, "Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey."

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly lashed out at U.S. national security adviser John Bolton for saying the U.S. withdrawal was contingent upon Turkey's pledge not to attack U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria once troops leave.

"Bolton made a serious mistake. If he thinks that way, he is in a big mistake. We will not compromise," Erdoğan said.

"Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!" Trump said.