Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) called the civilian deaths reported in Syria following Turkey’s invasion and the Trump administration’s removal of U.S. troops “a tragic loss of life among friends shamefully betrayed,” in a tweet Wednesday.
The Utah senator referenced reports that Turkey had begun a military offensive in northern Syria against Kurdish forces that were allied with the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. The Associated Press has reported Turkish strikes in Syria have killed at least seven civilians.
“It’s a tragic loss of life among friends shamefully betrayed,” Romney tweeted. “We can only hope the President’s decision does not lead to even greater loss of life and a resurgence of ISIS.”
Turkey began its offensive Wednesday, days after President Trump announced that he would withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. The move sparked backlash from both sides of the aisle, with lawmakers saying the decision would betray the Kurdish force who teamed with the U.S. against ISIS.
{mosads}Following the criticism, Trump defended his decision, while also warning Turkey that if it goes too far, he would “totally destroy and obliterate” the country’s economy.
Trump on Wednesday tried to distance himself from Turkey’s attack.
“The United States does not endorse this attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad idea,” the president said in a statement.