Van Hollen and Graham Introduce Bipartisan Sanctions Against Turkey

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced bipartisan sanctions legislation following concerns about military action by Turkey or Turkish-backed groups in northern Syria. The Senators released the following statement upon introduction:

“Today, we introduced the Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024 while stressing that the United States should work with Turkey – through diplomatic means –  to facilitate a sustained ceasefire and demilitarized zone along the border between Turkey and Syria, particularly the city of Kobani. These sanctions seek to prevent further Turkish or Turkish-backed attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which risk the reemergence of ISIS, threatening the national security of the U.S. and the rest of the globe.

“We remain hopeful that there will be a peaceful resolution to the problems that plague Syria.”

Earlier this week, Van Hollen and Graham spoke to SDF General Mazloum Abdi and stated their intention to introduce bipartisan sanctions if Turkey refused to extend the ceasefire.