Turkish president orders removal of U.S. ambassador

• The threat comes weeks after Erdoğan accused a top Biden official of "supporting terrorism" for allying with Kurdish militias in Syria, which Turkey's government considers a national security threat. He has also demanded the U.S. pay $1.4 billion for removing Turkey from a stealth fighter jet program.

Driving the news: The embassies of the United States, Canada, France, Finland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden wrote in the Oct. 18 statement that they "believe a just and speedy resolution to his case must be in line with Turkey’s international obligations and domestic laws."

• "Noting the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights on the matter, we call for Turkey to secure his urgent release," the joint statement added.
• Kavala has been held without a conviction since 2017. A court acquitted him in 2020 of charges related to nationwide anti-government demonstrations in 2013, but the decision was later overturned and his original charges were combined with separate charges involving a 2016 coup attempt, per AP.

What he's saying: “I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said, ‘You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors,’” Erdoğan said during a Saturday rally, according to AP.

• "They will recognize, understand and know Turkey," he added. "The day they don’t know or understand Turkey, they will leave.”

Of note: Erdoğan previously announced plans to meet with President Biden at a Group of 20 (G20) summit in Rome next weekend, Reuters notes.

• U.S. State Department spokesperson said it's aware of Erdoğan's reported comments and was "seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs," per Reuters.

Go deeper: Biden to tap ex-Sen. Jeff Flake as ambassador to Turkey

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from the State Department and further context.