U.S. Withdrawal from Northeast Syria Could Displace Hundreds of Thousands

In response to the announced withdrawal of U.S. troops from northeast Syria, Refugees International President Eric Schwartz issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s decision to give Turkey the green light to launch in an incursion into northeast Syria could have major humanitarian consequences. It could open new fronts in the conflict and newly displace hundreds of thousands of civilians across an area already in the grip of a humanitarian crisis. A Turkish military operation into northeast Syria will likely force international relief groups to evacuate just when they are most needed. 

 Furthermore, Turkish President Erdoğan’s declared intention to use a so-called ‘safe zone’ in the northeast to return up to a million Syrian refugees is shockingly irresponsible and will put lives at grave risk. President Trump must reverse the terrible decision he has made.”