Trump says Operation Peace Spring 'not our problem'

Turkey's ongoing Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria is "not our problem," U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

The matter should be dealt with between Turkey and the Syrian regime, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Turkey began its long planned military operation Oct. 9 to secure its borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria's territorial integrity.

Turkish leaders have repeatedly underlined that the operation does not target Kurds, but aims to clear the region of the terror group PKK and its Syrian offshoot YPG.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.