U.S. calls 'ludicrous' Turkey's claims coalition supported terrorists in Syria

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during the opening ceremony of Eurasia Tunnel in Istanbul, Turkey, December 20, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Tuesday rejected as "ludicrous" accusations by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that U.S.-led coalition forces supported terrorist groups in Syria including Islamic State and Kurdish militant groups YPG and PYD. State Department spokesman Mark Toner there was no was basis for such an accusation. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)