The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to condemn US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw US forces from northeastern Syria, clearing the way for Turkey's offensive against the Kurds.
The vote was 354 to 60 for the resolution, as dozens of Trump's fellow Republicans joined the majority Democrats in favor.
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Also Wednesday, Trump said the United States was "going to try to work it out" with Turkey regarding its assault into northeastern Syria, but US sanctions would be "devastating" if discussions with Ankara did not go well.
"I think they'll have a successful meeting," Trump said at a news conference alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
"If they don't, the sanctions, tariffs other things that we're doing – will do and are doing – to Turkey will be devastating to Turkey's economy."
Trump has been on the defensive since his abrupt decision announced last week to withdraw forces from northeastern Syria where they had been supporting Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State.
US lawmakers, including Trump's fellow Republicans, have been fiercely critical of what they see as the president's hasty handling of the situation following Trump's phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday.
Trump on Wednesday said he did not give Erdoğan a "green light" to push into northeastern Syria. The Turkish leader had long been planning such a move, Trump said, adding that he did not want US forces in harm's way.
European allies have also been critical of the move and called on Turkey to halt its military operations.
Mattarella, standing alongside Trump in the White House, said he had discussed the situation with the US president and that Italy condemns the Turkish offensive.
