US Senators Outline Arms Embargo Against Turkey for S-400 Buy, Attack in Syria

In the Graham-Van Hollen Turkey Sanctions Bill, the senators have asked to remove CAATSA waiver, define Tukey’s S-400 purchase as a “significant transaction under Section 231 of CAATSA” and implement the sanctions within 180 days from designating as significant.

America imposes secondary sanctions known as Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against countries that buy Russian military equipment. The CAATSA was passed to punish Russia for its interference in US elections and its involvement in Ukraine.

On October 9, Turkey's military began Operation Peace Spring, launching air and land attacks against Kurdish forces in northern Syria after US President Donald Trump gave the nation tacit approval on Sunday when he announced the withdrawal of US troops from the region.

"This unlawful and unwarranted attack against an American friend and partner threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of civilians, many of whom have already fled from their homes elsewhere in Syria to find safety in this region," the statement read.