Washington to Review Turkish Violation of US Weapons’ Usage in Syria: Report

The US is reportedly probing to check if Turkey violated norms on the usage of US-made weapons and military equipment during Turkish-led incursion targeting America’s Kurdish allies in Syria, dubbed “Operation Peace Spring.”

"Consistent with our end-use monitoring agreements, the US always investigates credible allegations," Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Carla Gleason was quoted as saying by CNN on Wednesday.

Washington believes allegations that point at Turkey’s breach of US’ end-use monitoring agreements as “credible,” the report said.

The same day, US President Donald Trump confirmed Turkish President would arrive in Washington to attend a high-profile meeting scheduled for November 13 at the White House.

“Just had a very good call with President Erdogan of Turkey. He informed me that they have captured numerous ISIS fighters that were reported to have escaped during the conflict – including a wife and sister of terrorist killer al Baghdadi,” Trump tweeted on Wednesday.

“Also talked about their Border with Syria, the eradication of terrorism, the ending of hostilities with the Kurds, and many other topics. Look forward to seeing President Erdogan next Wednesday, November 13th at the White House,” Trump said in a tweet.

When a country buys military hardware from the US, recipients are obligated to sign agreements on equipment usage- frequency, place, etc. The US also prohibits transfer of defense hardware to third parties.

"The United States works to ensure US-origin defense equipment is being used in the manner intended and consistent with the agreement or licenses under which the arms were transferred," a US defense official told CNN.

"Recipients of US-origin defense articles must agree to make items available for end-use monitoring for the life of the equipment and may not retransfer equipment to a third party without first receiving US authorization," the official added.