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US Calls Out Turkey, Slams Syrian Incursion as 'Very Big Mistake'

Margaret Besheer

   UNITED NATIONS - U.S. diplomats are pushing back on Turkey's incursion
   into northeastern Syria, labeling the military maneuver a "very big
   mistake" that could have significant consequences on the security
   situation in the region and beyond.

   The criticism from Washington, echoed by European officials and members
   of the United Nation's Security Council, came as Turkish artillery and
   war planes pounded Kurdish positions on the Syrian side of the border
   for a second straight day Thursday, forcing thousands of civilians to
   flee.

   Turkey, in a letter to the United Nations, said its response would be
   "proportionate, measured and responsible."

   But top U.S. officials warned that even if Ankara can make good on such
   assurances, the consequences of its incursion into Syria are dire.

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