U.S. and Turkey Agree to Ceasefire in Syria

Tags: Currents International, Media, Pence, Politics, Syria, Trump, Turkey, World News

Currents News Staff

The Trump administration just announced a ceasefire agreement with Turkey halting its incursion in northern Syria.

Speaking in Turkey, Vice President Mike Pence says Kurdish-led forces will withdraw from the safe zone.

Since President Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, Turkey has bombed the area and there have been reports of executions of Kurds by Turkish forces.

Just yesterday, House lawmakers approved a resolution opposing the Trump administration’s move.

Cameras were not allowed inside during the majority of the U.S. – Turkey ceasefire negotiations.

But right after the hours-long meeting between Turkey and the U.S., Vice President Pence spoke to reporters claiming victory.

“Turkey and the United States of America have agreed to a ceasefire in Syria. It will be a pause in military operations for 120 hours while the United States facilities the withdrawal of YPG from the affected areas in the safe zone and once that is completed Turkey has agreed to a permanent cease-fire,” said Pence.

President Trump touting the deal after landing in Texas for a fundraiser and campaign rally.

“This is an amazing outcome,” said Trump.

Vice President Pence says U.S. sanctions placed on Turkey last week will be lifted once the cease fire becomes permanent. That could happen after Kurdish-led forces leave the safe zone. 

“I know it’s already underway as we speak,” said Pence.

Turkish officials told CNN they got exactly what they wanted out of the meeting. But later Turkey’s foreign minister said in a press conference, quote “This is not a ceasefire.”

Before the deal was announced the House approved a resolution opposing president Trump’s decision to remove U.S. troops from Syria.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi thinks it could lead to a possible resurgence of ISIS, saying “Calls for the president to show a clear plan for how America will be protected from ISIS.”