Pompeo issues stark warning to Turkey – Trump ‘fully prepared’ to take military action

Mike Pompeo said the US “prefers peace to war” but President Trump is “fully prepared” to take “kinetic or military action” if needed. He also warned the US would use “all the powers” it has if “American interest” or “fundamental norms” are put at stake. The US Secretary told CNBC: “I never get out in front of the President’s decision about whether to take the awesome undertaking of using America’s military might to protect American interests.

“But the world should know, we’ve done it before, we took strikes into Syria when chemical weapons were used we did it to uphold the fundamental norm that chemical weapons cannot be used.

“The previous administration refused to enforce this basic, decent human rights norm, we did it.

“And the world should know that we will continue to do that, where we see American interest at stake or fundamental norms around the world that need to be enforced, we will use all powers that we have.”

Mr Pompeo continued: “You suggested the economic powers that we’ve used, we’ll certainly use them.

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“We’ll use our diplomatic powers as well, those are our preference.

“We prefer peace to war, but in the event that kinetic action or military action is needed, you should know that President Trump is fully prepared to take that action.”

The comments come as Turkish President Erdogan flies to Russia to discuss Syria with President Vladimir Putin.

Before flying to Russia, Erdogan told reporters at Ankara airport: “The withdrawal is continuing.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump said: “We never agreed to protect the Kurds for the rest of their lives.”

He said a small number of US troops would remain “in a little different section to secure the oil,” alongside “a totally different section of Syria near Jordan and close to Israel”.

He added: “That’s a totally different mindset.

“Other than that, there’s no reason for US troops to remain. They’re going to be sent initially to different parts. Ultimately, we’re bringing them home.”

On Monday Trump also said the five-day pause appeared to be holding, but Erdogan warned that fighting may resume.

Erdogan said: “If the promises given to us by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination.”

source: express.co.uk