BEIRUT (AP) — Kurdish forces and foreign actors are attempting to determine whether Ankara’s threats of a ground invasion are serious following weeks of deadly Turkish airstrikes in northern Syria.
After a fatal Nov. attack, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued repeated warnings of a fresh land incursion to drive Kurdish groups away from the Turkish-Syrian border. 13 bombing in Istanbul. The People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria and the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) were held accountable by Turkish authorities for the attack. Both have denied involvement.
On Nov. 20, A flurry of airstrikes by Ankara killed dozens, including civilians and Syrian government troops as well as Kurdish fighters. According to Human Rights Watch, the strikes are making a humanitarian crisis worse by interfering with fuel, electricity, and humanitarian relief.
The most recent event was the visit this week by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin to Turkey for discussions regarding the Syrian situation.
Here is a list of the potential gains and losses for the various foreign nations and organizations involved in the Syrian conflict:
Turkey has carried out three significant military incursions since 2016, seizing control of sizable areas of territory because it views the Kurdish forces along its border with Syria as a threat.
Erdogan hopes to relocate many of the 3. 6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey to northern Syria and has begun building housing units there. Resettling non-Kurdish Syrian refugees in historically Kurdish areas would dilute historically Kurdish-majority areas while simultaneously addressing the growing anti-refugee sentiment in Turkey and strengthening Erdogan’s support ahead of next year’s elections.
Erdogan has also touted plans to create a 30-kilometer (19-mile) security corridor in areas currently under Kurdish control. A planned Turkish invasion earlier this year was halted amid opposition by the U. S. and Russia.
Kurdish groups are pressing the U. S. and Russia, both of which maintain military outposts in northern Syria, to stop Turkey from executing its threats once more
Kurds fear that if Ankara is placated, the West will back down this time and allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Turkey will be encouraged to launch a ground operation by this silence toward its brutality, according to Badran Jia Kurd, deputy co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Kurdish groups, which fought against the Islamic State group alongside a U. S. -led coalition, who are currently escorting thousands of captured IS fighters and their families, and caution that a Turkish escalation would jeopardize efforts to eradicate the extremist organization.
In recent weeks, officials from the U. S. and the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by Kurds, claimed that the airstrikes had caused them to halt or reduce their joint patrols against IS; however, the patrols have since resumed.
Turkey’s recent military actions in northern Syria have raised concerns about a potential full-scale invasion While the US has expressed disapproval, it remains unclear how much it will intervene to stop Turkey’s ambitions. This article delves into the complex situation, analyzing the Turkish occupation of northern Syria and the possibility of a further incursion
Background of the Occupation:
Since 2016, Turkey has occupied a significant portion of northern Syria, encompassing over 8,835 square kilometers and encompassing more than 1,000 settlements. This occupation followed Turkey’s intervention in the Syrian Civil War, aiming to create a “safe zone” along its border to prevent Kurdish forces from gaining control of the region.
Human Rights Concerns:
The Turkish occupation has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including ethnic cleansing, kidnapping of women, and arbitrary detentions. The report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic documents numerous instances of looting, property appropriation, and forced displacement of Kurdish civilians.
Turkish Influence and Administration:
Turkey exerts significant influence over the occupied territories, appointing civilian councils and overseeing the region’s governance. Turkish officials act as advisors, allowing the councils to manage daily affairs and collect taxes. The region has witnessed a “Turkification” process, with Turkish language and culture being promoted.
Military Presence and Tensions:
The Turkish military maintains a strong presence in the occupied territories, with at least six military bases established. This has led to concerns about a long-term Turkish presence in the region. Tensions remain high with the Syrian government, which condemns the occupation and demands Turkey’s withdrawal.
Potential for Further Invasion:
Turkey’s recent airstrikes and President Erdoğan’s pronouncements about a ground invasion have heightened concerns. The US, while disapproving of the potential invasion, has not outlined concrete steps to prevent it. The international community remains divided on how to respond to Turkey’s actions.
The Turkish occupation of northern Syria has created a complex and volatile situation. Human rights concerns, Turkish influence, and the potential for further escalation raise significant challenges for the region’s stability and the safety of its inhabitants. The international community must closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prevent further conflict and protect civilians.
Additional Resources:
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vowed on November 20, 2022, that another ground invasion of Syria would take place after launching a series of airstrikes targeting northern Syria and Iraq.
- Turkish occupation of northern Syria – Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why is Turkey occupying northern Syria?
- Turkey claims to be creating a “safe zone” to prevent Kurdish forces from gaining control of the region.
- What are the human rights concerns related to the occupation?
- There have been reports of ethnic cleansing, kidnapping of women, and arbitrary detentions.
- What is the international community’s response to the occupation?
- The international community is divided on how to respond to Turkey’s actions. The US has expressed disapproval, but it remains unclear how much it will intervene to stop Turkey.
- What is the potential for further escalation?
- Turkey’s recent airstrikes and President Erdoğan’s pronouncements about a ground invasion have heightened concerns about further escalation.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult with relevant experts for specific guidance on this topic.
The Syrian government’s stance
The Syrian government views the SDF as a secessionist force and a front for the United States, but it has also rejected previous Turkish incursions. S. , which has imposed paralyzing sanctions on the government of Bashar Assad.
Turkey’s support of opposition fighters in Syria’s civil war has caused 11 years of tension, which has recently been eased between Damascus and Ankara. Damascus has kept relatively quiet about the killing of Syrian soldiers in the recent Turkish strikes.
The role of the Syrian insurgents
Any upcoming ground operation would probably be aided by foot soldiers from the so-called Syrian National Army, a coalition of tens of thousands of fighters from Syrian opposition groups backed by Turkey. During earlier raids, such as the assault on the town of Afrin in 2018, the SNA was charged with perpetrating crimes against Kurds and forcing tens of thousands of them from their homes.
Several officials from the SNA did not respond to calls and text messages by The Associated Press. According to an official who responded, they were told by Turkish authorities not to discuss their intentions for a new incursion.