Any participation by SMDK or FSA in the operation is "an attack on the United States and the Coalition Forces", which may lead to "direct confrontation" with them, Turkey's Anadolu news agency cited a number US officials as saying in a message.

"That will fully destroy" the relations between the US, SMDK and FSA, Washington warned.

The US officials also recalled the interaction of the US military with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), insisting that the group "cannot be attacked without aggression and confrontation with Coalition Forces and US forces and advisers."

"When elephants dance, you must stay away from the dance floor," they noted.

Turkish President signaled Ankara's readiness to launch an operation against the YPG "in a few days" if the United States does not withdraw them from the area.

Reporter’s code: 50101