February 2016 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Turkey's 'Hidden War' Against Kurds May Be Deadlier Than Syria Sputnik 29 Feb 2016 -- According to numbers supplied by Turkey's Human Rights Association, Turkey's military operation against Kurds in the country has been deadlier than the opening of the Syrian conflict.
Turkey's Reinforcement of Syria Border May Derail Truce - Russian Military Sputnik 29 Feb 2016 -- The commander of the Russian center on reconciliation in Syria stated that the deployment of reinforcements, including armed vehicles, by Turkey on the Syrian border could lead to the derailment of a fragile truce in war-torn Syria.
Turkey 'Main Violator' of Ceasefire Regime in Syria's North Sputnik 28 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian ceasefire is generally holding, apart from Turkey violating it in the country’s north, a member of the Syrian opposition delegation formed after meetings in Moscow and Cairo told Sputnik on Sunday.
Turkey violates Syria truce by shelling Kurds: Kurdish official Press TV 28 Feb 2016 -- A senior Kurdish official says Turkish forces have once again fired shells into Syrian towns controlled by Kurdish forces, violating a ceasefire that has recently come into effect in the Arab country.
Saudi Warplanes Land in Turkey for IS Mission VOA 26 Feb 2016 -- Four Saudi warplanes landed at Incirlik military base in Turkey on Friday to join the U.S-led Western coalition aerial raids against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, Turkish officials and news reports say.
Ankara Not Planning Ground Troop Operations in Syria Sputnik 26 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said that the situation in Syria is not acute enough to demand the deployment of a ground operation with troops from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or the United States, but "the air operations over the last year and a half have not delivered any great result."
Turkey not bound by Syria truce deal if security threatened: PM Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says Turkey will not honor a planned cessation of hostilities in war-hit Syria if its security is threatened.
Saudi forces in Turkey for air campaign in Syria Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- More than two dozen Saudi Air Force personnel and a cargo of military equipment have arrived in Turkey to prepare for a joint air campaign in Syria.
Plot Thickens: Four Saudi Warplanes to Arrive in Turkey Friday Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia will transfer four fighter-bombers, on Friday, to an airbase in the south of Turkey, local media reported, citing a military source.
NATO Should Realize Erdogan 'Problem, Not Solution' - Assad's Aide Sputnik 24 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's actions pose problems for resolving the Syrian conflict rather than helping to find a solution, Bouthaina Shaaban, political and media adviser to the Syrian president, said Wednesday.
Infighting? Turkey's General Staff Concerned with Erdogan's Syria Policies Sputnik 24 Feb 2016 -- The former head of the General Staff of the Turkish Intelligence Agency told Sputnik that the Armed Forces have been growing discontent with the Syrian policy of the Turkish leadership.
NATO Should Realize Erdogan 'Problem, Not Solution' - Assad's Aide Sputnik 24 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's actions pose problems for resolving the Syrian conflict rather than helping to find a solution, Bouthaina Shaaban, political and media adviser to the Syrian president, said Wednesday.
Infighting? Turkey's General Staff Concerned with Erdogan's Syria Policies Sputnik 24 Feb 2016 -- The former head of the General Staff of the Turkish Intelligence Agency told Sputnik that the Armed Forces have been growing discontent with the Syrian policy of the Turkish leadership.
Turkey's Erdogan: Keep Kurds out of Syria ceasefire Press TV 24 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Syrian Kurdish forces must be excluded from a ceasefire agreement between the warring sides in Syria.
Deployment of Turkish Troops in Iraq Against Baghdad's Will 'Insolent' Sputnik 24 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish forces' presence on Iraqi territory without Baghdad's approval was insolence and an attempt to distract Iraqi authorities from fight against Daesh, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Turkish-Saudi invasion of Syria not on agenda: Turkey's FM Press TV 22 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey and Saudi Arabia have currently no plan for a ground incursion into Syria.
US Envoy's Trip to Kobani Sparks Tension Between US and Turkey VOA 22 Feb 2016 -- A February 1 visit by a top U.S diplomat to Syria's border town of Kobani for meetings with Syrian Kurdish leaders is at the center of a widening rift between Ankara and Washington.
Turkey president defends Syria bombing as 'legitimate defense' Press TV 21 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again defended Ankara's bombing of Kurdish regions in Syria as "legitimate defense" amid ongoing calls to end the deadly campaign.
Truce must stop Turkey's support for militants: Assad Press TV 21 Feb 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he is ready for a ceasefire on condition that it stops Turkey and other countries from sending militants and weapons into the country.
Syria to View Saudi, Turkish Troops as Terrorists if Invasion Launched Sputnik 21 Feb 2016 -- Bashar Assad said that if Saudi Arabia and Turkey send their troops to Syria, the Damascus authorities will treat them as terrorists.
Turkey 'Has Right to Operations in Syria or Anywhere Else' - Erdogan Sputnik 21 Feb 2016 -- Turkey has the right to carry out operations in Syria or anywhere else where Ankara sees a threat, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.
NATO member states wary of Turkey's row with Russia Press TV 20 Feb 2016 -- Some NATO member states have expressed alarm at Turkey's escalation with Russia, saying they would not get involved in a potential confrontation.
Ankara announces new anti-terror 'action plan' in wake of blast Press TV 20 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says his country is set to introduce fresh security measures following a recent blast that claimed the lives of 28 people in Ankara.
Turkey Wants Unconditional US Support in Fight Against YPG VOA 20 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's prime minister on Saturday called on the United States to give his government unconditional support in the fight against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia "without ifs and buts."
Damascus condemns 'outrageous' Turkey campaign in Syria Press TV 20 Feb 2016 -- Damascus has denounced Turkish artillery shelling inside the Syria territory as an "outrageous violation" of international law, saying Ankara is targeting civilians in the Arab country.
US-supplied arms in hands of Daesh, Turkish president says Press TV 19 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's president says weapons supplied by the United States have ended up in the hands of Daesh Takfiri terrorists as well as the Kurdish fighters of the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) based in Syria.
Turkey: US must cut ties with Kurds Press TV 19 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says the US should break ties with Kurdish fighters, adding "resorting to terrorist groups like the YPG is above all a sign of weakness.'
Turkey Has Levers to Push US to Recognize Kurdish PYD as Terrorist Group Sputnik 19 Feb 2016 -- Seref Malkoc, an adviser to Turkey's president said that if the Unites States is really Turkey's friend and ally, then they should recognize the PYD, a Syrian branch of the PKK, as a terrorist organization.
Bomb Attacks in Turkey Fuel Erdogan's Offensive Against Kurds VOA 19 Feb 2016 -- Bombings in Turkey this week are escalating the conflict between Ankara and Kurdish separatists, as well as raising new questions of whom the United States is supporting in the Syrian conflict and the scope of U.S. objectives.
Turkish forces escort 2,000 militants to Syria: Monitor Press TV 18 Feb 2016 -- Turkish forces have escorted at least 2,000 militants back to Syria over the last week in a covert operation to reverse the loss of terrorist groups, sources say.
Turkey signals escalating Syria attack Press TV 18 Feb 2016 -- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu accuses the Syrian government of being directly responsible for a bombing in Ankara, saying Turkey will continue to shell Kurdish positions inside the Arab country.
Turkey PM: Ankara Bomber Syrian With Kurdish Links VOA 18 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is blaming the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, for killing 28 people in a car bombing of a military convoy Wednesday in Ankara.
Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Bombing in Turkey DoD 17 Feb 2016
Erdogan Continues Effort to Hold on to Power in Turkey VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aspiration to change Turkey's parliamentary system of government to an executive presidency is being blamed for the collapse of talks to create a new constitution.
Deadly Blast Rocks Ankara RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- A big blast in the Turkish capital, Ankara, has left 28 people dead and 61 wounded.
Car Bomb Kills 28 in Turkey; Erdogan Vows Revenge VOA 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is vowing to avenge Wednesday's car bomb attack in central Ankara that killed at least 28 and wounded 61.
Turkey Shelling Syrian Territory is 'Sheer Outrage' - Russia Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Turkey can't stand the fact that Syria is beeing freed libirated from extremists.
Turkish Attack on Kurds 'Aims to Derail Syrian Crisis Settlement' Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkish artillery shelling of Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria is an attempt to hinder the international commitment to a political solution to the Syrian war, the chairman of the Syrian Democratic Council told Sputnik Wednesday.
Erdogan Urges US to Recognize Syrian Kurdish PYD Group as Terrorists Sputnik 17 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish president has called Western allies to recognize the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) as a terrorist organization.
UN Council Expresses 'Concern' About Turkey's Shelling In Syria RFE/RL 17 Feb 2016 -- The UN Security Council is 'concerned' about Turkey's shelling of Kurds in Syria, UN diplomats said after a meeting requested by Russia on February 16.
Ankara cooperating with militants in Syria: Demirtas Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- The leader of Turkey's main Kurdish party has accused the country's military of collaborating with Takfiri militant groups inside Syria.
Turkey wants 'secure strip' within Syria Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Turkey has demanded the creation of a "secure strip" inside Syrian territory that covers the anti-Damascus militants' most-heavily-depended-on supply route.
Fate of Syria ceasefire deal depends on US: Russia Press TV 17 Feb 2016 -- Russia says the implementation of an international agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Syria, which was recently reached in the German city of Munich, hinges on the United States.
Ground troops only solution to Syria conflict: Turkey Press TV 16 Feb 2016 -- Turkey is among the few countries insisting that the only way to stop the war in Syria is to deploy ground forces in the Arab country's northern regions.
Turkey announces curfew in southeastern district Press TV 16 Feb 2016 -- Turkey has imposed a curfew in a region in the southeastern province of Sirnak as Ankara goes on with its operation against militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Saudi, Turkey boots in Syria may trigger regional war: Ex-soviet states Press TV 16 Feb 2016 -- A security alliance of post-soviet states says plans by Turkey and Saudi Arabia to deploy ground troops into Syria could escalate tensions in the conflict-ridden Arab country and result in direct military clashes between countries in the Middle East.
Turkey's Heavy Artillery Fires 100 Volleys on Residential Areas in Aleppo Sputnik 16 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish artillery has been massively shelling Syrian troops and patriotic opposition in border areas since last week, with over 100 volleys registered in the Aleppo province, the Russian Defense Ministry's spokesperson told journalists on Tuesday.
Turkey Wants Ground Troops in Syria VOA 16 Feb 2016 -- A Turkish official said Tuesday Turkey is asking allies to take part in a ground operation in Syria, saying that is the only way to stop the country's five-year war.
Riyadh Denies Presence of Troops in Turkey for Possible Operations in Syria Sputnik 16 Feb 2016 -- A Saudi Defense Ministry official told Sputnik that Riyadh had no troops deployed in Turkey for possible operations in Syria.
Iraq censures US, EU for inaction over Turkey's troops deployment Press TV 16 Feb 2016 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi censured the United States and the European Union Tuesday for inaction on Turkey's military deployment north of Iraq, warning that Baghdad may be forced to get help from Russia for pushing back the Turkish forces.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia begin joint military drills Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Turkey and Saudi Arabia have begun joint air exercises, claiming it is within the framework of cooperation and military training between the two countries.
Turkish Army Shells Kurds in Syria Near Border for Third Day in a Row Sputnik 15 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish Armed Forces have again shelled the positions of the Kurdish forces of self-Defense in northern Syria, Turkish Foreign Ministry press secretary Tanju Bilgic said Monday.
Foreign Ministry: Ankara Condemns US Appeal to Stop Shelling Kurds in Syria Sputnik 15 Feb 2016 -- Turkey strongly condemned US call to stop Ankara's shelling the Kurdish militia in Syria, as the latter are seen as terrorist by Ankara, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said on Monday.
Syrian Kurds: Turkish Army 'Can't Stop Our Fight Against Terrorists' Sputnik 15 Feb 2016 -- Tarık Ebuzeyt, commander of the Democratic Forces of Syria in the town of Azaz, spoke to Sputnik in an exclusive interview, where he talked about the recent attack by Turkish armed forces.
Some 300 Militants, Trucks With Arms Move to Syria's Tel Rifaat From Turkey Sputnik 15 Feb 2016 -- Some 300 militants and trucks with ammo rushed from Turkey to the Syrian city of Tel Rifaat in Aleppo but their attempt was disrupted by airstrikes, a source said. Kurdish forces have been storming the city, besieged by terrorists.
Turkey helping new militants penetrate Syria: Russia Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Russia says Turkey helps fresh militants illegally enter Syria and join the ranks of the battle-drained terrorist groups already fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad there.
Turkey will continue targeting Kurdish forces in Syria: PM Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Turkey says it will continue targeting forces of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria despite rising international pressure to halt the shelling.
Turkey continues shelling Kurdish regions in Syria: Group Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Despite international outcries, Turkey has shelled Kurdish regions in northern Syria for the third day, saying it will not allow Kurds to take control of the Syrian border town of A'zaz.
US calls on Russia, Turkey to avoid 'escalation' over Syria Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- The United States has called on Turkey and Russia to avoid any further escalation over the Syrian crisis after the two countries traded accusations.
Turkey, Saudi pursuing Syria invasion for 2 years: Assad Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Turkey and Saudi Arabia, widely considered as the major sponsors of Takfiri terrorist groups operating in the crisis-hit country, have been trying for two years to enter Syria militarily.
Turkish Politicians Warn of Intervention in Syria VOA 15 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish military confirmed Monday its forces shelled Syrian Kurdish positions of the PYG for a third consecutive day.
Turkey 'shocked' by US stance on 'terrorist' Kurds Press TV 15 Feb 2016 -- Ankara is "shocked" by the United States stance on Syrian Kurdish troops that have been battling Takfiri terrorists of Daesh.
Some 400 Militants Arrive in Syria Through Turkey to Help al-Nusra Front Sputnik 14 Feb 2016 -- Some 400 militants of the Sham Legion militant group have arrived in the Syrian province of Aleppo through the Turkish territory to help al-Nusra Front terrorist group, media reported Sunday.
Turkish Army Shelling Kurdish Barracks in Northern Syria - Source Sputnik 14 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish army's artillery has begun shelling of Kurdish People's Protection Units' (YPG) barracks near the Syrian city of Afrin in the country's north, a militia source said Sunday.
Turkey Says Will Continue Attacks On Kurdish Targets In Syria RFE/RL 14 Feb 2016 -- Turkey says it will continue to conduct strikes against Kurdish fighters in Syria, despite growing pressure on Ankara to stop the shelling amid a truce deal backed by world powers.
Turkey calls for YPG withdrawal from Syrian border Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- Having confirmed the shelling on the positions of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), Ankara has called for the withdrawal of YPG forces from northern Syrian border regions.
Turkey shelling supports terrorists: Syria Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- Syria has taken Turkey's shelling of its territory to the UN, saying it amounts to "direct Turkish support for terrorist groups."
Turkey continues attacking northern Syria for 2nd day Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish military has reportedly shelled positions of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria for the second day.
Turkish forces cross into Syria: Damascus Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- The Damascus government says Turkish forces have entered war-torn northern Syria to help foreign-backed militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
France urges Turkey to stop bombing Syria Kurdish regions Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- The French foreign ministry has called on Turkey to stop bombing Kurdish regions in northern Syria, saying it will deteriorate the situation in the war-torn country.
Turkish artillery keeps pounding Kurdish areas in northern Syria People's Daily 14 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish artillery continued to shell Kurdish areas in northern Syriafor the second straight day on Sunday, killing and wounding nine fighters of a Kurdish group, a monitor group reported.
Turkey to Extend Strikes on US-Allied Kurdish Fighters in Syria VOA 14 Feb 2016 -- Turkey says it will continue to target U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters on the Syrian frontier near its border, despite mounting international pressure on the Ankara government to stop the artillery bombardments.
Saudi Arabia confirms sending warplanes to Turkey 'for Daesh fight' Press TV 14 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia confirms it has dispatched warplanes to the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, claiming that the move was in line with the so-called fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists in Syria.
Turkish PM Says N.Syria Airbase Shelling 'Retaliation' to Kurdish Forces Sputnik 14 Feb 2016 -- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkish forces shelled Kurdish People's Protection Units positions in northern Syria as a retaliatory measure.
Turkish Security Forces Kill Nine PKK Militants in Southeast of Country Sputnik 14 Feb 2016 -- Turkish security forces killed nine members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party in the country's southeast.
Ankara: Turkey, Saudi could launch ground operation in Syria Press TV 13 Feb 2016 -- Ankara says Turkey and Saudi Arabia could launch a ground operation in Syria, adding the kingdom is also sending jets to a Turkish base.
Turkey may act to reverse Syrian army gain near border Press TV 13 Feb 2016 -- Ankara is likely to take action to counter the Syrian military and allied groups on choking up a supply link on which militants relied to get weapons and logistics.
US Urges Restraint from Turkey, Kurdish Militia Near Aleppo VOA 13 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. State Department voiced fresh concern Saturday over reports of Turkish military strikes on Kurdish militia in northern Syria, urging both Turkey and Syrian Kurds to exercise restraint as tensions approach the breaking point in the troubled region.
Turkish Forces Begin Shelling of Airbase Held by Kurds in Syria's Aleppo Sputnik 13 Feb 2016 -- Turkish forces started shelling Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG] postions on the territory of the Minnigh airbase in Syria's northern Aleppo region, according to local media.
Reports: Turkey, Saudi Arabia Mulling Ground Operations Against IS In Syria RFE/RL 13 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reportedly said that his country and Saudi Arabia may launch ground operations against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.
Turkey Shells Kurdish Targets In Syria As U.S. Urges Calm RFE/RL 13 Feb 2016 -- Turkish forces struck Kurdish militia targets in northern Syria on February 13, and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu demanded that the group withdraw from the area it recently captured.
Turkey bombards Kurdish-held areas of Syria's Aleppo Province Press TV 13 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's artillery on Saturday shelled areas controlled by Kurdish fighters in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.
Saudi Arabia Stations Warplanes at Turkish Airbase - Defense Ministry Sputnik 13 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia has deployed its combat aircraft at Turkey's Incirlik airbase near the Syrian border, an adviser to the country's defense ministry confirmed Saturday.
Saudi Arabia to Send Jets to Turkish Base for Air Missions in Syria Sputnik 13 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia is deploying warplanes to the Turkish Incirlik base to fight Daesh, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.
Turkey army ends operations in Kurdish town of Cizre: Minister Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- The Turkish military has ended an almost two-month military operation in the mainly Kurdish southeastern town of Cizre, the country's interior minister says.
Military Turks Stand Divided on NATO Border Monitoring Proposal Sputnik 11 Feb 2016 -- Members of Turkish military circles are divided on the issue of having NATO monitor its borders for migrants, as has been proposed by Turkey, Greece and Germany.
Erdogan renews call for no-fly zone in Syria Press TV 11 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renews a call for the establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria in the face of Russian airstrikes which have led to a series of militant losses recently.
Erdogan Slams US Support for Kurdish 'Terrorists' Sputnik 10 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called partnership between Turkey and the United Stated 'strange', because of the US position on the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union (PYD), which is considered as terrorist organization by Ankara.
Turkey buffer zone plan for Syria violates intl. law: Russia Press TV 10 Feb 2016 -- The Russian foreign minister has censured Turkey's plan to establish a buffer zone in Syria, saying such a proposal contradicts the international law and will heighten tensions in the region.
Turkey, US Splits Deepen Over Support for Kurdish Militants VOA 09 Feb 2016 -- The rift between Turkey and the U.S. widened late Tuesday when Ankara summoned the American ambassador, John Bass, to protest remarks by a State Department spokesman who said Washington does not consider Syria's Kurdish Democracy Union Party (PYD) a terrorist organization.
Turkish FM Says US Must Choose Between Turkey, Syrian Kurds Sputnik 09 Feb 2016 -- The United States must choose between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds' Democratic Union Party (PYD), Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday.
Turkey's Erdogan Issues Ultimatum to US VOA 09 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued an ultimatum to the United States to choose between Turkey and Syrian Kurds. U.S. forces have been working closely with the Syrian Kurdish group the PYD in the battle against Islamic State.
Security raid kills 60 in southeast Turkey: Report Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- At least 60 people have been killed in an attack by Turkish forces against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in Turkey's southeast, a report says.
25 killed in army operations in southeast Turkey Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- At least 25 people have been killed during the Turkish army's military operations against militants from Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the country's southeast.
Turkey must apologize to Russia for last year jet downing: Deputy FM Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Russia has called on Turkey to stop stirring tension between the two countries and apologize for the downing of its Su-24 bomber jet in November last year.
Erdogan irate over US envoy meeting with YPG in Kobani Press TV 08 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been irked by a US envoy's meeting with Syrian Kurds in the Syrian border town of Kobani, warning the US to choose either Ankara or the "terrorists" in the town as its ally.
Turkey, West in Standoff Over Syrian Refugees VOA 08 Feb 2016 -- More than 25,000 Syrian civilians have become the unwitting victims of a standoff between Turkey and Western relief agencies.
Turkey to open border to Syrians 'if necessary': Erdogan Press TV 07 Feb 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the country's readiness to let in tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who have massed along its border "if necessary."
Kurdish Militants Use Western-Produced Weapons - Erdogan Sputnik 06 Feb 2016 -- Kurdish militants use weapons manufactured in the western countries, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday.
Intense Clashes Erupt Between Turkish Army, Kurdish Fighters in Diyarbakir Sputnik 06 Feb 2016 -- Intense clashes involving machine guns and artillery is ongoing in the center of the Turkish city of Diyarbakir, which has witnessed clashes between the army and Kurdish fighters, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Saturday.
Turkey's Kurdish Fight Complicates IS Battle VOA 06 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's complicated and controversial fight against Kurdish factions at home and in Syria is making its battle against the Islamic State group more difficult. It also leaves Ankara in a weakened stance to combat terror, analysts say.
Up To 35,000 Syrians Massed On Turkish Border RFE/RL 06 Feb 2016 -- The number of Syrian refugees massed on the border with Turkey after fleeing a government offensive near the northern city of Aleppo has nearly doubled in the past 48 hours.
Turkish Prime Minister Calls on Kurds to 'Leave Barricades' Sputnik 05 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday called on Kurds to 'leave the barricades' and instead unite and live in peace.
Turkey Ignored Russian-US Flight Safety Memorandum Over Syria - Russian MoD Sputnik 05 Feb 2016 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister said that Turkey refused to conform with a flight safety memorandum on flights over Syria even before it downed a Russian bomber jet.
Conflict in Turkey's Southeast Likely to Escalate Despite Peace Efforts VOA 05 Feb 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu unveiled his strategy for ending the conflict there. But, despite his efforts, violence could escalate because of a decision by state prosecutors to lift the immunity from prosecution of leading Kurdish members of parliament.
Turkey has no plan for military incursion in Syria: Official Press TV 05 Feb 2016 -- A Turkish official denies secret preparations for a military intervention in Syria, saying Ankara has no plan for such an "incursion" in the Arab state.
Iraq slams Turkey bombing of northern village Press TV 05 Feb 2016 -- Baghdad has condemned the Turkish military's recent bombardment of a village in northern Iraq and renewed calls on Ankara to withdraw all its forces from the Arab country.
Turkey breaches aviation treaty by blocking Russian surveillance aircraft: Moscow Press TV 04 Feb 2016 -- Russia says Turkey has breached the Open Skies Treaty by refusing to allow a Russian surveillance aircraft to overfly its territory near Syria.
Turkey Considers Expanding Fleet of Surveillance Jets Sputnik 04 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's military is considering the purchase of two additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) airplanes from the United States in a response to increased tensions in the region, according to a media report on Thursday.
Turkey Planning Military Invasion in Syria - Russian Defense Ministry Sputnik 04 Feb 2016 -- What is happening on the Turkish-Syrian border gives grounds to think that Turkey is preparing a military invasion in Syria, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.
Turkey preparing for military action in Syria: Russia Press TV 04 Feb 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry spokesman says Moscow has serious grounds to suspect Turkey of preparing for a military incursion into Syria.
Turkish warplanes bomb northern Iraqi village Press TV 04 Feb 2016 -- Turkish fighter jets have bombarded a village in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, as Ankara continues with its operation against militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Hundreds of people leave conflict-ridden area in southeast Turkey Press TV 03 Feb 2016 -- Hundreds of people have escaped their homes in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, which has been the scene of deadly clashes between the army and militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Turkey Blocks Russian Flight Under Open Skies Treaty, Moscow Vows Response Sputnik 03 Feb 2016 -- Ankara has violated the Open Skies Treaty by not allowing Russian inspectors to conduct a scheduled inspection flight over the Turkish territory, a move that Moscow will not leave without proper response, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Turkey's Intelligence Overhaul Replaces Diplomats With Spies Sputnik 03 Feb 2016 -- Turkey's National Intelligence Agency is expanding at the same time as its Foreign Ministry is closing down certain embassies and recalling diplomats, Al-Monitor reported.
Turkey Not Part of US-Led Coalition in Iraq - Coalition Spokesman Sputnik 02 Feb 2016 -- Coalition spokesman Steven Warren said that Turkish military forces in Iraq are not a part of the US-led coalition.
Five Turkish soldiers killed in PKK attacks in southeast Press TV 01 Feb 2016 -- At least five members of the Turkish army forces have been killed in two separate attacks carried out by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in the country's volatile southeast.
Russia military censures Turkey over 'premeditated provocation' Press TV 01 Feb 2016 -- Russian Defense Ministry spokesman says the recent claim by Turkey that a Russian warplane had violated the NATO member state's airspace lacks any factual basis, describing the allegation as a 'premeditated provocation.'
Russians Want Proof From Turkey Of Airspace Violation RFE/RL 01 Feb 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has again rejected claims by Ankara that a Russian warplane violated Turkish airspace.
Russia Comments on NATO's Alleged Evidence of Turkish Airspace Violation Sputnik 01 Feb 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry, commenting on the statement of a NATO representative regarding the 'classified images' of the so-called violation of the Syrian-Turkish border by a Russian jet, said that such allegations were expected from NATO as they are trying to withhold information from the public and media.
No Proof of Russian Warplane Violating Turkish Airspace - Russian MoD Sputnik 01 Feb 2016 -- Turkey has not provided Moscow with any evidence supporting Ankara's claim of an alleged Turkish airspace violation by a Russian warplane, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
Turkey: UN rights chief concerned by actions of security forces and clampdown on media UN News 01 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations human rights chief today called on the Turkish authorities to respect the fundamental rights of civilians in its security operations and to promptly investigate the alleged shooting of a group of unarmed people after "shocking" video footage of the event.
Syrian soldier killed in Turkey shelling on Latakia: Media Press TV 01 Feb 2016 -- A Syrian soldier has been killed and five more have been wounded as Turkish forces purportedly shelled military positions in Syria's northern territories.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

February 2016 - Turkey Special Weapons News