Turkey has hit back at US criticism of its role in Syria , as Turkish forces have been targeting Kurdish fighters as well as civilians . The US and Turkey have called on Turkey to avoid strikes on the opposition and ethnic groups that are fighting ISIL . EU officials had spoken of their concern at a crackdown led by Mr Erdogan on state institutions in the wake of the coup attempt. However , Turkey 's prime minister , Binali Yildirim , said : " operations will continue until all terrorist groups have been neutralised . " While Ankara and Washington are allies , the US insists on the support of Kurdish forces in attacking ISIS in northern Syria . Turkey regards Kurdish militia as terrorists and insists they retreat across the Euphrates river .
Turkey has hit back at US criticism of its role in Syria , as Turkish forces have been targeting Kurdish fighters as well as civilians . The US and Turkey have called on Turkey to avoid strikes on the opposition and ethnic groups that are fighting ISIL . However , Turkey 's prime minister , Binali Yildirim , said : " operations will continue until all terrorist groups have been neutralised . " While Ankara and Washington are allies , the US insists on the support of Kurdish forces in attacking ISIS in northern Syria . Turkey regards Kurdish militia as terrorists and insists they retreat across the Euphrates river .