February 2018 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Turkish PM Confirms Cutting Off Kurdish YPG Militia From Border With Syria Sputnik 28 Feb 2018 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has confirmed that Ankara's military operation in the northern Syrian district of Afrin has resulted in the partial surrounding of the city controlled by the Kurds and Kurdish militias being cut off from the Syrian-Turkish border.
Turkey Resists International Calls to Abide by UN Syria Cease-Fire VOA 28 Feb 2018 -- Turkey is pushing back against international calls for it to abide by a U.N.-backed cease-fire in Syria. The U.N. call for a truce comes as Ankara continues to escalate its offensive in the Syrian enclave of Afrin against the YPG Kurdish militia.
After 40 Days Under Turkish Fire, Kurds in Syria's Afrin Still Refuse to Give Up Sputnik 28 Feb 2018 -- As Olive Branch operation in Syria's Afrin has entered its 40th day, the spirit of resistance is now recalling Kobane town, which stood up to terrorists in 2014, Garib Huso, co-chair of the public relations committee of the so-called Democratic Federation of Northern Syria, or Rojava (a de facto autonomous region) told Sputnik.
Turkey Slams US for Distorting UN Resolution on Syria Sputnik 28 Feb 2018 -- The US State Department's recent statement accusing Turkey of violating the UNSC resolution on the Syrian truce by continuing its operation in Afrin undermines the essence of this resolution, the Turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesman Hami Aksoy said on Wednesday.
UN concerned by Turkey's alleged torture of dissidents Press TV 27 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's alleged torture of prisoners has alarmed the United Nations as an official says Ankara is failing to respond to allegations of ill-treatment of prisoners.
Court in Prague releases Syrian Kurdish PYD leader Press TV 27 Feb 2018 -- A court in the Czech Republic has decided to release Salih Muslim, a former co-leader of Syria's Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), despite an extradition request by Turkey.
US warns Turkey against S-400 purchase from Russia: Report Press TV 27 Feb 2018 -- The United States has reportedly warned Turkey against the consequences of its decision to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries from Russia, saying Washington could slap Ankara with sanctions over such a purchase.
US Threatens Turkey With Sanctions in Case of Russian S-400 Purchase – Reports Sputnik 27 Feb 2018 -- The United States has urged Turkey to abandon the purchase of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system from Russia, warning Ankara of the consequences of its decision, Haberturk reported citing a source in Washington.
Turkey Says Czech Release of Former PYD Leader is 'Support for Terror' VOA 27 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish government said Tuesday the release of the former leader of a Syrian Kurdish political party by a Czech court was "a clear support for terror."
Turkey gains control of border strip inside Syria's Afrin, sends special forces for new fight Press TV 26 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish army has taken control of the outer edge of Syria's northwestern region of Afrin during its ongoing cross-border offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkey formally requests extradition of former PYD leader Press TV 26 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has formally asked Czech authorities to extradite Salih Muslim, a former leader of major Kurdish group the Democratic Union Party (PYD), who has been held in custody.
Turkey to Deploy Special Forces to Syria's Afrin - Deputy PM Sputnik 26 Feb 2018 -- On Saturday, the UN Security Council adopted the resolution stipulating a 30-day ceasefire in Syria. However, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag has said that the truce won't affect Ankara's ongoing operation against terrorists in Afrin.
Pro-Turkish Kurds to Join Military Operation in Syrian Afrin - Reports Sputnik 26 Feb 2018 -- Ankara stated that the Turkish military operation in Afrin won't be affected by the 30-day nationwide truce in Syria.
Turkish Army Reportedly Cuts Off Kurdish Troops From Border With Syria Sputnik 26 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish troops in cooperation with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces have cut off the troops of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from the borders between Turkey and Syria in the course of Ankara's ongoing military operation, local media reported Monday.
Turkish President Heads to Africa in Bid to Extend Regional Influence VOA 26 Feb 2018 -- On Monday,Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan starts a five-day visit to northern and West Africa. The tour is the latest effort by Turkey to project its influence across the continent and enhance its global presence. Observers are voicing concerns that the Turkish leader, with his emphasis on Islamist themes, could be stoking regional rivalries and even tensions.
France says Turkey must observe Syria ceasefire in Afrin Press TV 26 Feb 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says Turkey must observe a United Nations Security Council resolution on a month-long ceasefire in Syria including its northwestern region of Afrin where Ankara is waging an offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Macron to Erdogan: Syrian Ceasefire Must Apply to Afrin Operation Sputnik 26 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has discussed the new UN Security Council resolution on the Syrian ceasefire as well as Ankara's operation in Afrin in a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday.
Syria ceasefire not to affect offensive in Afrin: Turkey Press TV 25 Feb 2018 -- Turkey welcomes a United Nations Security Council resolution on a month-long ceasefire in Syria, but says it will have no effect on Ankara's ongoing cross-border offensive in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
In warning to US, Erdogan vows to 'break arms and wings' of militants Press TV 25 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued one of his strongest warnings meant for the US, pledging to "break the arms and wings" of Washington-backed militants in Syria.
Turkey Urges Czech Republic to Extradite Ex-Leader of Syrian Kurds – Deputy PM Sputnik 25 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has called on the Czech Republic to extradite former leader of Syria's Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) Saleh Muslim after he was arrested in Prague, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Sunday.
UN Security Council Resolution on Syria Won't Affect Operation in Afrin - Ankara Sputnik 25 Feb 2018 -- The UN Security Council adopted on Saturday the resolution stipulating a 30-day ceasefire in Syria amid Turkish military operation Olive Branch that has been ongoing in the Syrian region of Afrin since January 20.
Pro-Turkish Forces Seize Part of Syrian Territories in Afrin - Source Sputnik 25 Feb 2018 -- Pro-Turkish forces have seized a major part of the Kurdish town of Jindires in Afrin amid Turkey's ongoing military operation in Syria's northern region, a source in Syrian pro-government militias told Sputnik Sunday.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Welcomes UN Sec. Council Resolution on Syrian Ceasefire Sputnik 25 Feb 2018 -- Turkey welcomes the resolution on a ceasefire regime in Syria adopted by the UN Security Council and will further its efforts to reach peace in the war-torn country, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
Turkey: Early Opening of Jerusalem US Embassy 'Extremely Worrying' VOA 24 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish government called it "extremely worrying" the U.S. will open an embassy in Jerusalem this coning May instead of by the end of next year as had been previously announced.
Two civilians killed, four injured in Turkish shelling on Syria's Afrin Press TV 24 Feb 2018 -- At least two civilians have been killed and four others injured in Turkish shelling on Syria's northwestern region of Afrin, where Ankara is leading an operation against US-backed Kurdish militants.
Is Turkey Using Infrastructure Projects to Stifle European Criticism? VOA 23 Feb 2018 -- When the first jet airplane lands Monday at Istanbul's newest airport, it will mark a milestone in what analysts see as a Turkish drive to accomplish with contracting dollars what it has not been able to achieve with traditional diplomacy.
Turkish military not avoiding civilians in strikes against Syria's Afrin: HRW Press TV 23 Feb 2018 -- Human Rights Watch has criticized the Ankara government's ongoing cross-border offensive in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), stating that the Turkish military has failed to adopt necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties.
Dutch Parliament Recognizes Armenian Killings As 'Genocide' RFE/RL 22 Feb 2018 -- Lawmakers in the lower house of the Dutch parliament have overwhelmingly passed a motion recognizing as "genocide" the 1915 massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey's Syria Operation Showcases Domestic Weapons Industry VOA 22 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's ongoing military offensive against a Kurdish militia in Syria's Afrin enclave is showcasing the growing prowess of the Turkish armaments industry. In recent years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought to dramatically reduce his country's dependency on imported arms.
Timeline: Turkish military operation in Syria's Afrin Press TV 21 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish military launched its ongoing cross-border offensive in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) late last month.
Those helping Syria Kurds in Afrin 'legitimate target': Turkey Press TV 21 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has repeated its warnings about an escalation of tension in Syria's northern region of Afrin, where it has been attacking the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), saying any group coming to the help of the Kurds in the region would be considered a "legitimate target" for the Turkish military.
Syrian Popular Forces Join Kurdish Fighters in Afrin - YPG Representative Sputnik 21 Feb 2018 -- YPG representative in Afrin Brusk Haseke has confirmed to Sputnik that Syrian forces have arrived to Afrin despite Turkish Air Forces' shelling on February 20, adding that a new group of Syrian military entered the city today.
Turkish army shells pro-Syrian government forces as they enter Afrin Press TV 20 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish army has attacked pro-Syrian government forces that had earlier arrived in the Kurdish-held Afrin region in northwestern Syria to defend the Syrian Kurds against Turkey's offensive.
Turkey frees top pro-Kurdish politician detained over Afrin offensive opposition Press TV 20 Feb 2018 -- Turkish officials have released the former co-leader of the country's main pro-Kurdish party, whom they had arrested a week ago over her opposition to Ankara's ongoing cross-border offensive in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkish authorities issue detention warrant for 346 over links to failed coup Press TV 20 Feb 2018 -- Turkish prosecutors have issued detention warrants for 346 individuals over suspected links to the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed military coup in mid-2016 in the Anatolian country.
Turkey will lay siege to Syria's Afrin in coming days: Erdogan Press TV 20 Feb 2018 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is set to "lay siege" to the northwestern Syrian region of Afrin, where the Turkish military has been fighting Kurdish militants over the past month.
Erdogan: Syrian Forces Tried to Enter Afrin, Retreated After Turkey's Shelling Sputnik 20 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that a convoy of pro-Syrian government forces, which tried to enter the besieged Syrian city of Afrin, retreated under the Turkish warning fire in the area. The Syrian armed forces have confirmed neither entering Afrin, not the retreat.
Erdogan: Turkish Army Will Encirle Afrin, Speed Up Operation Sputnik 20 Feb 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned Damascus against supporting the Kurds, while the country's Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said that if Syrian forces entered Afrin, this would lead to a catastrophe.
Turkish Forces Shell Syrian Militias in Contested Kurdish Enclave VOA 20 Feb 2018 -- Pro-Syrian government forces reportedly have crossed into the Kurdish-held enclave of Afrin. The deployment is in response to an ongoing military offensive by Turkish-led forces against the YPG Syrian Kurdish militia.
Turkey-Syria Team-Work is Most Welcome in Afrin Crisis - Iraq Kurdistan Official Sputnik 20 Feb 2018 -- The ongoing crisis in Syria's Afrin, the subject of the Turkish military operation Olive Branch, cannot be resolved without an understanding between Turkey and Syria, Hemin Hawrami, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Leadership Council, told Sputnik.
Syrian Troops Retreat After Turkish Artillery Fires Warning Strikes VOA 20 Feb 2018 -- Pro-Syrian government troops enroute to Syria's Afrin region, a Kurdish area where Turkish troops have mounted a month-long offensive, retreated Tuesday after Turkish artillery fired warning shots, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.
Turkey will confront Syrian forces if they enter Afrin to help YPG: FM Cavusoglu Press TV 19 Feb 2018 -- Turkish foreign minister says it will confront any Syrian pro-government forces entering in the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin to protect the US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG), as Damascus reportedly intends to send pro-government forces to the flashpoint region to join forces with the Kurds against Turkish troops.
No One Can Stop Turkish Forces if Syrian Army Enters Afrin - FM Sputnik 19 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish foreign minister has commented on recent reports made by Syrian state TV that pro-Syrian government forces would enter Syria's Afrin "within hours."
Turkish Foreign Minister Warns Syria About Military Intervention VOA 19 Feb 2018 -- With Turkish-led forces stepping up their military operations against the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, in Syria's Kurdish-controlled Afrin enclave, Ankara has reacted cautiously to reports that Damascus is set to intervene militarily.
If Syrian Forces Enter Afrin, It Will Lead to Catastrophe - Turkish Deputy PM Sputnik 19 Feb 2018 -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag has commented on reports about the possible deployment of Syrian government forces to Afrin during a news conference following a cabinet meeting.
Turkish foreign minister denies allegation of chemical attack in northwestern Syria Press TV 18 Feb 2018 -- Turkish foreign minister says Turkey never used internationally-banned chemical weapons in its operations in Syria after Kurdish forces and a monitoring group accused Ankara of carrying out a gas attack in its ongoing offensive in the Arab country's northwestern region of Afrin.
White House Doubts Turkey's Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria Sputnik 18 Feb 2018 -- The US government has expressed skepticism over reports that Turkey used chemical weapons in Syrian northern region of Afrin in its ongoing offensive operation, US White House official Michael Anton said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Calls for Respect of Syrian Territorial Integrity Sputnik 18 Feb 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday held a speech at the 2018 Munich Security Conference, in which he elaborated on the issue of Syria's territorial integrity and on the progress made at Astana peace talks.
SDF Claims Syrian Kurds Attacked Military Camp on Turkish Territory Sputnik 18 Feb 2018 -- The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacked a military camp on Turkish territory used by troops for preparing Operation Olive Branch in Syria's Kurdish-held Afrin, the SDF media center said on Saturday.
Turkey denies reports of using chemical weapons in Syria's Afrin Press TV 17 Feb 2018 -- Despite reports that the Turkish military has made use of internationally-banned chemical weapons in its ongoing offensive in Syria’s northwestern region of Afrin, Ankara denies having carried out a gas attack, arguing it takes the “utmost care” of civilians.
Turkey sentences six journalists to life in jail over links to coup Press TV 17 Feb 2018 -- A Turkish court has sentenced six journalists to life in prison over accusation of involvement in the country's 2016 failed coup.
Turkey Fighting Terrorism, Not Waging War in Syria – Prime Minister Sputnik 17 Feb 2018 -- Ankara is not fighting a war in Syria but is fighting against terrorism, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Sunday.
Kurdish Fighter Claims Turkey Using Napalm, Chlorine in Afrin Operation Sputnik 17 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish troops have failed to advance in Syria's Afrin district, where they prefer to use the hit-and-run tactics, according to Reizan Hedu, a representative of the Kurdish self-defense forces in Afrin.
34 Turkish troops, 177 pro-Turkey militants killed in Syria IRNA 16 Feb 2018 -- Thirty four Turkish troops and 177 pro-Turkey militants have been killed in Syria since the start of Turkey's military operation 'Olive Branch' in Afrin region, according to an entity called Syrian Human Rights Watchdog affiliated to dissident groups.
Military plane crashes in western Turkey, 2 pilots killed Press TV 16 Feb 2018 -- Two pilots have been killed when a Turkish military plane crashed in western Turkey during a training mission.
Turkey, US to work together in Syria occupation: Cavusoglu, Tillerson Press TV 16 Feb 2018 -- Ankara and Washington have reached an agreement to work together in their occupation of Syria, where the two NATO allies have been on a collision course over the US's support for the Kurdish militants operating at Turkish doorstep.
Turkish Foreign Minister Says Ankara at Critical Stage in Ties With Washington Sputnik 16 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish foreign minister said that Erdogan and Tillerson held constructive talks in Ankara and agreed to normalize relations.
Turkish Warplane Crashes, Killing Both Pilots Sputnik 16 Feb 2018 -- The reported incident in Turkey's Izmir province comes as Ankara is carrying out its Olive Branch campaign against Kurdish forces in Syria, whom it considers terrorists.
Press Availability With Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu US Dept. of State 16 Feb 2018 -- Remarks by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State
Tillerson in Turkey in Bid to Mend Relations VOA 16 Feb 2018 -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has met with senior Turkish officials amid rising tensions between the two NATO allies. The countries remain at loggerheads in part over Washington's support of a Kurdish militia in Syria, which Ankara accuses of being a terrorist organization.
Report: Turkey Nationalism on Upsurge Again VOA 16 Feb 2018 -- Turkey is undergoing a new nationalist wave led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) concludes.
Turkey urges US to remove YPG from Washington's military coalition in Syria Press TV 15 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish defense minister says he has urged his American counterpart to stop supporting the People's Protection Units (YPG) militant group and to remove the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria.
Turkey sets up new observation outpost in northwestern Syria Press TV 15 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has set up a new observation point in the Syrian northwestern province of Idlib as part of an agreement with the other two guarantors of the Syria ceasefire, Iran and Russia.
Pentagon chief urges Turkey to stay focused on fighting Daesh Press TV 15 Feb 2018 -- US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has called on Turkey to remain focused on fighting Daesh terrorists in Syria, following Ankara's military action in Syria.
Turkey Urges US to Remove Leading Force From SDF Amid Afrin Operation Sputnik 15 Feb 2018 -- Turkey is currently conducting the operation in the northern Syrian enclave of Afrin, targeting Kurdish groups, which Ankara considers to be terrorists, with the US pledging its support in the fight against terrorist threats.
Russia eyeing contract with Turkey for next batch of S-400s: Informed source Press TV 14 Feb 2018 -- Russia is considering signing a contract with Turkey to provide the NATO military alliance member with another batch of advanced S-400 missile defense systems, a government source has revealed.
Turkey imposes curfews in Diyarbakir ahead of anti-PKK operation Press TV 14 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has imposed curfews in several areas in Diyarbakir in preparation for a new operation against the Kurdish militants active in the southeastern province.
Turkey Not Receiving Enough NATO Support in Anti-Terror Fight - Defense Minister Sputnik 14 Feb 2018 -- Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli on Wednesday reiterated Turkey's decisiveness in clearing out terrorists from Syria's northwestern Afrin region.
Turkey Poll Shows Strong Support for Ankara's Military Campaign in Syria VOA 14 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's military incursion into Syria against a Kurdish militia has received overwhelming support, according to a new Turkish opinion poll.
Turkish army now in control of only 7 pc of Afrin region IRNA 15 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish army and its accompanying terrorists have taken control of 24 townships and villages in Afrin region since the start of operation 'Olive Branch', the Syrian Human Rights Watchdog affiliated to the country's dissident groups said in a report.
Putin Personally Ordered Crimea Annexation, Ex-Duma Deputy Testifies RFE/RL 14 Feb 2018 -- A Russian former lawmaker has testified before a Kyiv court that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered the annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014.
Turkey's Erdogan Issues Warning Over Eastern Mediterranean Energy Exploration VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking a hard line against nations and foreign energy companies exploring for gas in the eastern Mediterranean, warning them not to "step out of line" and encroach on his country's territorial rights.
US funding of Kurdish militants in Syria to impact Turkey's decisions: Erdogan Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Washington's refusal to stop funding the Kurdish militants in Syria will affect Ankara's decisions, ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson this week.
Turkish MP jailed for exposing Ankara's arms aid to Syria militants Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced a legislator from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to five years and 10 months in jail for leaking classified material, and exposing to a newspaper a video showing weapons shipment to parts of Syria held by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists.
Syrian YPG militants target Turkish reconnaissance drone over Afrin Press TV 12 Feb 2018 -- Militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have tracked and shot down a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle in the skies over Syria's northwestern region of Afrin as Ankara government pushes ahead with its cross-border offensive against the US-backed forces.
UN Demands Halt to Turkey Military Targeting Water Supplies in Syria - Spokesman Sputnik 12 Feb 2018 -- Reports of weekend attacks by Turkey's military on water supplies in an offensive against Kurdish units in the Afrin region prompted fresh condemnation from the United Nations, spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.
Turkey Issues Ultimatum to Washington Ahead of Tillerson Visit VOA 12 Feb 2018 -- Turkey is calling on the Unites States to take concrete steps to address its concerns about American support for a Kurdish militia in Syria or face a breakdown in relations. The stepped up pressure comes ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Turkey next week.
US General McMaster in Istanbul amid US-Turkey tensions over Syria Press TV 11 Feb 2018 -- US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has met with Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın in Istanbul amid tensions between the two countries in the wake of Ankara's offensive in Syria.
Turkey's HDP party picks new leaders Press TV 11 Feb 2018 -- The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), the main pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey, has chosen new leaders amid widening differences with the government over a crackdown at home and a military operation against Kurds in Syria.
Kurdish forces kill another Turkish soldier in northern Syria: Turkey's military Press TV 11 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's military says yet another Turkish trooper has been killed in fighting against Kurdish forces from the People's Protection Units (YPG) in Afrin region in northwest Syria.
160 Syrian citizens killed in Turkish attacks on Afrin IRNA 11 Feb 2018 -- Some 160 Syrian citizens have been killed since the beginning of Turkish military attacks on Afrin, according to executive council of self-proclaimed Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (DFNS).
Turkish General Staff Reports Seven Soldiers Killed During Afrin Operation Sputnik 11 Feb 2018 -- At least seven Turkish servicemen were killed on Saturday during the operation in Syria's northern district of Afrin, the Turkish General Staff said.
Former Istanbul governor, ex-police chief get jail terms over Gulen links Press TV 10 Feb 2018 -- A court in Turkey has given jail terms to a former governor of Istanbul and an ex-police commissioner over affiliation to the movement of the US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt.
Turkish military helicopter shot down near Syria: President Erdogan Press TV 10 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says one of the country's military helicopters has been shot down near the border with Syria.
Afrin Op: Turkish Military Helicopter Shot Down Near Syrian Border, Two Dead Sputnik 10 Feb 2018 -- A Turkish military helicopter was shot down during Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish troops in northern Syria, Anadolu state news agency reported.
Turkey Orders Kurdish Political Leaders Arrested for Protesting Afrin Offensive Sputnik 10 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish government has issued arrest warrants for 17 Kurdish political leaders, including one of the two leaders of the largest Kurdish political party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). The move has come after the HDP protested the Turkish offensive against Kurdish militias in Afrin, Syria.
US Steps Up Effort to Avert Confrontation With Turkey Over Syrian Kurdish Militia VOA 09 Feb 2018 -- U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster is due in Turkey this weekend, as a potential military confrontation looms between the two countries over Syria. The NATO allies disagree over Turkey's military intervention in Syria against a Kurdish militia which is a key U.S. ally in the war against Islamic State.
Tillerson Expecting 'Difficult' Talks With Turkey Over Syria RFE/RL 10 Feb 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expects "difficult" talks during his Middle East trip, especially in Turkey, where he will urge the NATO ally to show "restraint" in its military offensive in northern Syria, U.S. officials say.
Turkey bombs US-backed militants in northern Syria Press TV 09 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has bombed US-backed Kurdish fighters in Afrin with impunity, just after Washington cited an alleged attack on the militants to target pro-government forces in Syria.
Turkish, Russian Leaders Speak as Syria Strains Grow VOA 08 Feb 2018 -- Turkey and Russia's presidents have reportedly agreed to meet with their Iranian counterpart in Istanbul in the near future.
Putin, Erdogan agree to boost military coordination in Syria: Kremlin Press TV 08 Feb 2018 -- The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayip Erdogan have agreed to strengthen Ankara-Moscow military and security coordination in Syria.
Turkish court sentences 64 to life in prison over 2016 failed coup Press TV 07 Feb 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced 64 military personnel to life imprisonment on charges of involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt, which the Ankara government says was masterminded by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Turkey has met conditions for EU visa liberalization: Erdogan's spokesman Press TV 07 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman says the country has met all 72 requirements laid down by the European Union to get the EU's visa-free waiver program.
Turkey not at odds with Russia over Afrin operation: Cavusoglu Press TV 07 Feb 2018 -- Turkey says it has no disagreements with Russia over its military operation underway against US-backed Kurdish militants in the northern Syrian region of Afrin.
Erdogan: Trump, Just Like Obama, Lies to Turkey About Kurdish Forces in Manbij Sputnik 07 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barrack Obama of not fulfilling the promise they'd made to Ankara to compel the Kurdish Self-Defense Forces (YPG) to leave Manbij in Syria's Aleppo Governorate.
Tehran Steps Up Pressure on Ankara Over Syrian Operation VOA 07 Feb 2018 -- Iran is the latest country to add its voice to growing calls for Turkey to curtail its military operation in Syria against a Syrian Kurdish militia. Turkey-Iran relations have recently improved, but Tehran is seen to be increasingly concerned about the lack of clarity on the scope and duration of the Turkish military operation and Ankara's goals.
Turkish troops attacked while setting up outpost in Syria Press TV 06 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's military says a soldier has been killed and five others have been injured in an attack by unidentified militants as the troops were setting up a military post in Syria's northwestern Province of Idlib.
Erdogan: US Presence in Syria's Manbij Aimed Against Turkey, Russia, Iran Sputnik 06 Feb 2018 -- In January, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara would not limit its precautionary measures against Kurdish fighters to Syria's Afrin but could move to Manbij, where the US has some 2,000 of its military personnel deployed.
One Turkish Soldier Killed, Five Injured as Result of Syria's Idlib Attack Sputnik 06 Feb 2018 -- Turkey, the guarantor of the Syrian ceasefire alongside Russia and Iran, has been conducting a military operation in Afrin and nearby territory against the Kurdish fighters it considers to be linked to the PKK, which is considered to be a terrorist group by Ankara.
Turkish forces set up military post southwest of Syria's Aleppo Press TV 05 Feb 2018 -- Turkish forces have set up a military post southwest of the Syrian city of Aleppo as part of the Astana agreement with Iran and Russia on "de-escalation zones."
Turkey arrests nearly 600 over criticism of Afrin operation in Syria Press TV 05 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish government has so far detained nearly 600 people accused of using social media to protest the country's military offensive against US-backed Kurdish militants in Syria.
Pentagon Sees No Indication of Turkey's Plans to Expand Olive Branch to Manbij Sputnik 05 Feb 2018 -- The Pentagon has seen no indication of Turkey planning to move to the Syrian city of Manbij, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Stability and Humanitarian Affairs Mark Swayne said at a Washington, DC think tank on Monday.
Turkey Constructs the Fourth Observation Point in Syria's Idlib - General Staff Sputnik 05 Feb 2018 -- Turkish servicemen started to construct the fourth observation point in the northern Syrian province of Idlib, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.
Turkey Frees Members of Medical Association Who Criticized Syrian Military Offensive VOA 05 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has freed eight top members of the country's main medical association, who were detained for denouncing Ankara's military offensive in northern Syria.
Turkey cautions US troops against being targeted in Syria Press TV 04 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has warned that American soldiers risk being targeted in northwestern Syria as the Turkish military pushes ahead with its offensive against Kurdish militants supported by the United States in the Arab country.
Turkey's Erdogan rejects option of EU partnership, urges full membership Press TV 04 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country opposes proposals of a partnership with the European Union, emphasizing that Turkey's full membership of the bloc is the only option.
Erdogan Says Syria Operation Not Designed To Capture Territory RFE/RL 04 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told France's Emmanuel Macron that Turkey's military operation inside Syria is aimed at purging "terror elements" and not designed to permanently take Syrian territory.
7 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Deadliest Day of Syrian Offensive VOA 04 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's military says it has suffered its single deadliest day in its offensive against Syrian militias in northern Syria.
France Plans to Work With Turkey on Syria 'Road Map' Sputnik 04 Feb 2018 -- Emmanuel Macron's office announced its decision after the French president discussed Turkey's operation against Kurdish People's Protection Units in Syria with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a phone conversation.
Turkish Opposition Calls for Contacts With Damascus to Ensure Peace in Syria Sputnik 04 Feb 2018 -- Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party on Sunday called on the country's authorities to re-establish contacts with Damascus for ensuring peace and stabilization of the situation in Syria amid the ongoing Turkish military operation in Afrin.
Kurdish forces kill five Turkish soldiers in Afrin: Military Press TV 03 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's military says five Turkish soldiers have been killed by Kurdish forces from the People's Protection Units (YPG) in Afrin region in northwest Syria.
Turkish court gives life imprisonment to nearly two dozen over 2016 botched putsch Press TV 03 Feb 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced nearly two dozen people to life imprisonment on charges of involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt, which the Ankara government says was masterminded by the US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Turkish 'Olive Branch': General Staff on Results of Offensive in Afrin Sputnik 03 Feb 2018 -- The Turkish Armed Forces have killed 74 more militants of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), and the Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia) during the military operation in Syria's northern district of Afrin.
Two killed as volley of rockets strike Turkish border towns Press TV 02 Feb 2018 -- At least two people have been killed and several other injured after a barrage of rockets from Syria's Kurdish-controlled northwestern region of Afrin struck two Turkish border towns, officials say.
Turkey's Envoy to Doha Refutes Reports of Plans to Deploy New Troops in Qatar Sputnik 02 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's ambassador to Doha Fikret Ozer refuted the claims on Friday about Ankara's alleged plans to deploy additional military forces in Qatar.
Turkey rejects France warning on Syria operation as 'insults' Press TV 01 Feb 2018 -- Turkey has hit back at France's warning over Ankara's military campaign against US-backed Kurdish militants in Syria, describing it as insulting.
Turkish aerial attacks kill 49 PKK militants in northern Iraq Press TV 01 Feb 2018 -- At least 49 militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed when Turkish warplanes carried out a string of aerial attacks against their positions in northern Iraq.
Rocket Fire From Afrin Injures Civilian in Turkey's Kilis - Reports Sputnik 01 Feb 2018 -- As Ankara's operation in Syria's Afrin has been underway for over a week already, retaliatory strikes from Afrin's Kurdish groups has led to several casualties and many more injured civilians in Turkey's border regions.
Turkish Strikes Kill 49 PKK Militants in Northern Iraq - General Staff Sputnik 01 Feb 2018 -- A total of 49 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization in Turkey, were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Turkish Air Force in northern Iraq, the Turkish General Staff said on Thursday.
Turkey Judiciary Draws Fire for Continued Incarceration of Rights Activist VOA 01 Feb 2018 -- Turkey's judiciary is facing growing international condemnation for the ongoing imprisonment of the local head of Amnesty International.
Syria complains to UN about Turkey's 'assault, occupation' Press TV 01 Feb 2018 -- Damascus has complained to the UN about Turkey's military campaign in northern Syria, denouncing the operation as "an assault and occupation" of the Syrian territory.

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February 2018 - Turkey Special Weapons News