Syrian regime claims Turkey is ALREADY striking Kurdish targets as U.S. troops withdraw, Republican fury at 'betrayal' grows, and Donald Trump claims he has told Turkish leader: 'Any of our people get hurt - big trouble'

The regime of Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad claimed Monday through state-run media that Turkey began launching aerial attacks across the border, as American troops are obeying President Donald Trump's order to withdraw to the United States.

Trump defended his decision as unconfirmed reports of airstrikes blanketed Twitter, largely traceable back to unverified amateur video. Syrian government-run SANA TV called it 'Turkish aggression' targeting the 'north-eastern countryside' of Syria where some Kurdish forces are based.

Claims of airstrikes are likely to ramp up military tensions and benefit both Syria and Russia, which aim to be viewed as targets rather than aggressors. Turkey reportedly denied launching any aerial attacks near its border with Syria.

President Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday that he had told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erogdan – presumabley during a Sunday phone call – that there would be consequences if harm comes to the dozens of remaining American servicemen and women there.