The United States spoke out against violence between the Turkish military and Kurdish militias in northern Syria, calling on both sides to concentrate on fighting the Islamic State.
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a press conference that his government had "called on both sides to not fight with one another, to continue to focus the fight on ISIL".
"We do understand that they (Turkey and Kurdish fighters) have historical differences with one another but American interests are quite clear," he added. "We, like they, want to combat ISIL and we are calling on them now: 'Let's keep our priorities clear here.'"
The remarks come after reports that at least 35 civilians and four Kurdish militants were killed in Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish-held regions.
The United States special envoy against the Islamic State Brett McGurk said in response to the clashes:
“We want to make clear that we find these clashes — in areas where ISIL is not located — unacceptable and a source of deep concern”.
He went on to add that the US "was not involved in these activities, they were not coordinated with US forces and we do not support them”. "Accordingly, we call on all armed actors to stand down and take appropriate measures to deconflict and open channels of communication."