Trump says Turkey's attack is 'a bad idea'

US President Donald Trump warned Turkey against attacking Syria, saying its air assault was "a bad idea" not backed by the United States, and called on Ankara to protect religious minorities.

"The United States does not endorse this attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad idea," Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

"Turkey has committed to protecting civilians, protecting religious minorities, including Christians, and ensuring no humanitarian crisis takes place - and we will hold them to this commitment."

[link to www.aljazeera.com (secure)]