Panetta concerned Syria-Turkey conflict could escalate

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Saturday that exchange artillery fire between Syria and Turkey could escalate and impact neighboring countries.

He added that the U.S. is doing it what it can diplomatically to make its concern known about the burgeoning conflict, according to the Associated Press.

The two nations have been trading artillery fire since Wednesday, when a Syrian mortar landed in Turkey and killed five citizens. U.S. and NATO officials were quick to condemn the strike, which comes as Syria is still caught in a brutal civil war.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "outraged" by the attack when it occurred Wednesday, and NATO called it a "flagrant breach" of international law.

Turkish officials have warned that Syria was testing the nation's limits, driving concerns that the attacks could expand to a full-fledged war.

Panetta's comments came during a press conference with Peru Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano. At the event, Panetta also said that Iran was feeling the squeeze of international economic sanctions, as it faced mounting pressure to address global worries about its nuclear development efforts. He added that more could be on the way if Iran insists on proceeding.

"Make no mistake, the international community will continue to impose additional sanctions," if Iran does not respond to international demands, he said.

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