North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr has weighed in on President Donald Trump's decision this week to withdraw United States troops from northern Syria, which is controlled by the Kurds, saying the move will destabilize the region.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Republican said that the Kurds have been "stalwart partners in the fight against ISIS" and that "we should never abandon those who have fought beside us."
My statement on Turkey's recent actions in Syria: pic.twitter.com/Hu61MtyPId
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) October 10, 2019
Trump's decision to pull troops -- thus allowing Turkey to mount an attack against the Kurds -- has drawn criticism from numerous fellow-Republicans.
Earlier this week, N.C. Sen. Thom Tillis, another Republican, told WFAE that he supported Trump's decision.
"But at this point, I'm giving the president the benefit of the doubt," Tillis said. "We'll go back (to Washington D.C.) next week, I'm sure we'll have a classified briefing, and then I'll have better access to the facts that he might have used."
North Carolina Rep. Alma Adams also issued a statement Friday condeming the move. Adams is a Democrat who represents the 12th District that encompasses much of Charlotte.
"The President's actions are profoundly irresponsible and troubling," Adams said in the statement. "His choices continue to undermine our national security and have put the lives of innocent people at risk."
