This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, Turkey launched a military offensive in northern Syria, sparking widespread concern among world leaders.
The United Nations Security Council planned to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the assault, dubbed "Operation Peace Spring".
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged Turkey to show restraint, acknowledging Ankara's legitimate security concerns.
"It's essential to avoid actions that may further destabilize the region, escalate tensions, and cause more human suffering," Stoltenberg said.
US President Donald Trump called the incursion a "bad idea," insisting that Washington "does not endorse this attack," despite having withdrawn US troops from the area.
Trump had previously threatened to "obliterate" Turkey's economy if it went too far.
The US and the UK expressed concern over the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
European leaders, including EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, also condemned the operation, warning that it could lead to a new humanitarian disaster and destabilize the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the offensive "must stop," citing concerns over the security and humanitarian efforts of the coalition against the Islamic State.
