Trump threatens “big sanctions” on Turkey for onslaught on Kurds

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that Turkey faces imminent sanctions over its invasion into northern Syria against Kurdish fighters, but again defended his withdrawal of American troops who had been fighting alongside the Kurds against Islamic State terrorists.

"Do people really think we should go to war with NATO Member Turkey?" Trump said on Twitter. "Never ending wars will end! The same people who got us into the Middle East mess are the people who most want to stay there!"

Trump's decision last week to pull out of the area -- clearing the way for the Turkish incursion -- has been attacked at home as a betrayal of America's Kurdish allies, that risks triggering a resurgence of ISIS.

Washington and its partners have condemned the Turkish invasion but their threats of sanctions have failed to stop it.

Trump said Sunday he is working with congressional leaders, including opposition Democrats, to impose the economic sanctions on Ankara.

Syrian forces entered a town near the Turkish border Monday, a day after reaching an agreement with Syrian Kurds to move into the region in an attempt to counter the Turkish onslaught.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a joint news conference that Turkey is risking an "unbearable humanitarian situation."

The World Health Organization said Monday it is "gravely concerned about the humanitarian health situation in northeast Syria."

It said the military operations have already displaced 200,000 people since last week, and that there are fewer health workers able to provide services due to displacement and health providers suspending operations.