World Bulletin / News Desk

The U.S. on Wednesday sharply refuted Russian allegations that Turkey is facilitating ISIL oil sales.

“We reject the premise that the Turkish government is in league with ISIL to smuggle oil. We have seen no evidence to support such an accusation,” State Department spokeswoman Julia Mason said in a statement.

“Turkey is taking steps to improve the security of its border with Syria, working with international partners. One goal of this effort is to cut off ISIL smuggling,” Mason added.

Following the downing of a Russian warplane that violated Turkey’s airspace near the Syrian border on Nov. 24, Russia announced sanctions against Turkey and President Vladimir Putin has alleged Turkish involvement in oil purchases from ISIL.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has challenged Putin and said he will step down if Russian claims that Turkey buys oil from ISIL are proved. He called on Putin to do the same if they are not.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Steve Warren also dismissed Russia's claims as "preposterous" and "ridiculous".

"We absolutely flatly reject that notion," he told reporters via video conference from Baghdad. "The Turks have been great partners to us in the fight against ISIL."

"Any thought that the Turkish government is somehow working with ISIL is again, it's just preposterous, and completely untrue," he added.