The United States Wednesday emphasized its support for Turkey and condemned Syria for aggression against its NATO ally, DPA reported.
"We stand with our Turkish ally and are continuing to consult closely on the path forward," said Tommy Vietor, spokesman for the National Security Council in the White House, in a statement. "Turkey is a close friend and ally of the United States, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones."
Vietor said the US "strongly" condemns "the Syrian regime's shelling across the Turkey-Syria border, and deeply regret(s) the loss of innocent Turkish life."
The US called for "all responsible nations" to make clear "that it is long past time" for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to step aside, declare a ceasefire and "begin the long-overdue political transition process."