Turkey rejects US report claiming link to child soldiers
PTI, Jul 3, 2021, 4:12 PM IST
Istanbul: Turkey’s foreign ministry has slammed a US report on human trafficking that criticized Ankara for providing “operational, equipment, and financial support” to an armed militia in Syria that recruits child soldiers.
In a statement late Friday, the Turkish foreign ministry said it “completely rejects” the claim and its record is clean.
The statement also accuses Washington of “double standards and hypocrisy” pointing to American support for Syrian Kurdish militants.
It cites a United Nations report that documented child recruitment and exploitation under the umbrella of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Turkey says Syrian Kurdish militants that provided the backbone of the SDF fighting the Islamic State group were linked to Kurdish fighters who have been waging an insurgency against Turkey for more than three decades and are designated as terrorists.
American support for them has been a major irritant in US-Turkish relations.
On Thursday, the US State Department highlighted Turkey and 14 other countries for the use of child soldiers.
It was the first time a NATO ally was placed on such a list.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
‘America of your dreams calling’: Biden to Democratic supporters
Indian consulate in Canada cancels consular camps due over security issues
Hindu temple in Brampton suspends priest for spreading ‘violent rhetoric’
President Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US should find ‘right way’ to manage differences
Harris, Trump agree on importance of unifying country as they speak over phone
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
BCCI vs PCB spar on CT venue as Naqvi denies receiving any official note from Indian board
Use Carnatic music to promote Kannada language: Nirmala Sitharaman
Udupi: Car collides with bike; Rider injured
UP women’s body proposes men shouldn’t tailor women’s clothes or cut their hair
NSE, BSE to be closed on Nov 20 for Maharashtra assembly polls
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.