Rep. Jim Cooper

From Congressman Jim Cooper: Days after President Trump’s abrupt announcement that the U.S. is withdrawing troops from northeastern Syria, Turkey launched an offensive into the area, targeting Syrian Kurdish fighters who have been U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS. Turkey has accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish militia in the area, of having links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish separatist group that is responsible for attacks within Turkey. The Turkish offensive puts the fight against ISIS and security of Kurdish prisons, which are currently holding thousands of ISIS fighters, in jeopardy as soldiers are diverted to the border to defend themselves against Turkish forces. With Turkish airstrikes continuing, Kurdish civilians have begun to flee the area.

+ Jim said, “This stunning and reckless change in policy has resulted in exactly what we feared. The Kurds are under attack.” Jim also joined more than 50 House Democrats in sending a letter to President Trump saying his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from northeastern Syria puts U.S. allies in danger, jeopardizes U.S. counterterrorism efforts, and will cause current and future allies to question the reliability of the U.S. as a partner.

+ Jim also participated in a protest this afternoon in front of the US Federal Building on Broadway in Nashville, along with 1,000 members of the community protesting the decision by President Trump.

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