October 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Many Syrian Refugees in Turkey Want to Stay, Despite Erdogan Plan to Force Their Return VOA 31 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's plan to return up to 2 million refugees to Syria is increasingly in question. With refugees carving out a new life for themselves in Turkey, many may be reluctant to return, while rights groups warn of forced deportations.
Minister: Turkey, Russia Negotiating Return of 18 Captured Syrian Soldiers VOA 31 Oct 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Thursday said his country is negotiating with Russia to return 18 people believed to be Syrian government troops.
Turkey summons Washington envoy over sanctions, Armenian 'genocide' resolutions Press TV 30 Oct 2019 -- Ankara has summoned Washington's ambassador to protest two resolutions passed by the US House of Representatives, which impose sanctions on Turkey over its Syria incursion and recognize the killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire a century ago as "genocide."
Turkey Rejects Reports Country Close to Reaching Su-35 Deal With Russia Amid S-400 Row With US Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar made a few statements before the meeting of the AKP faction in parliament, to discuss the implementation of the Sochi memorandum between Turkey and Russia.
Turkish Defence Minister: Our Cooperation with Russia Continues Successfully Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish media outlets earlier claimed that Moscow and Ankara were in the middle of discussions over the purchase of Su-35 warplanes, following the acquisition of S-400 missile systems that led to Turkey being kicked out of the US-led F-35 programme.
Erdogan: Turkish-Russian Patrols Set to Begin in Syria VOA 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish-Russian joint military patrols will begin Friday in notheastern Syria, after the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish fighters under an agreement between the two countries.
Erdogan Says Turkish-Russian Joint Patrols To Start In Syria RFE/RL 30 Oct 2019 -- Turkish-Russian joint patrols will start in northeast Syria on November 1, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after the Kremlin said Syrian Kurdish fighters had withdrawn under a deal between Ankara and Moscow.
Turkey Says Began Clearing Mines in North Syrian Areas of Joint Border Patrols With Russia Sputnik 30 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish Defense Ministry said its experts started to demine territories in northern Syria, where Ankara and Moscow are conducting joint border patrols.
Turkish President Eyes Syrian Refugee Return to Quell Public Discontent, Economic Malaise VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing for the mass return of Syrian refugees to ease domestic discontent and kickstart an ailing economy. But Erdogan is struggling to find the financial support to realize his objective.
US House Lawmakers Rebuke Turkey for Syria Invasion VOA 29 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday sanctioning Turkey in a move aimed at reasserting congressional oversight of U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy.
Turkey says Kurdish militants still in Syria 'safe zone' as deadline looms Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- Ankara says Kurdish militants of the so-called People's Protection Units (YPG) have yet to fully pull out of border areas in Syria's north as a deadline set by a recent Turkey-Russia deal for their withdrawal approaches.
Moscow Informed Ankara About Complete Withdrawal of Kurdish Forces From Safe Zone - Erdogan Sputnik 29 Oct 2019 -- Moscow informed Ankara that the pullout of the Kurdish forces from the security zone in northeastern Syria in accordance with the Russia-Turkey memorandum had been completed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, as broadcast by TRT.
Seven Syrian soldiers killed in clashes with Turkish forces, allies near Ra's al-Ayn: Observatory Press TV 29 Oct 2019 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says at least seven Syrian army soldiers have been killed when fierce exchanges of gunfire broke out between government troops and Turkish military forces and their allied militants near Syria's key northeastern border town of Ra's al-Ayn.
Turkey's Syria Operation Sees Crackdown on Kurdish Party VOA 28 Oct 2019 -- A wave of arrests against Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party is accompanying the country's military operation into Syria against the YPG Kurdish militia, which has been a U.S. ally in the fight against Islamic State terrorists. Analysts warn that the crackdown is broadening to include Turkey's wider civic society.
Turkish Presidential Spokesman: There Was 'Intense' Military Diplomacy With US Before Baghdadi Operation Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- A day earlier, US President Donald Trump announced having hunted down Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Daesh* terrorist organisation in Syria's Idlib and thanked Russia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey for their assistance in the mission.
Erdogan Calls Killing of Baghdadi 'Turning Point' in Joint Counterterrorist Fight Sputnik 28 Oct 2019 -- The elimination of Abu Bakr Baghdadi, the leader of the Daesh* terrorist organization, by the US air force in Syria is a "turning point" in the fight against terrorism, and Turkey is determined to continue contributing to it, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.
Erdogan says Turkey will clear Kurdish militants alone if Sochi deal fails Press TV 26 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has vowed to "clear" Kurdish "terrorists" from the so-called safe zone single-handedly in its border area with northeastern Syria if they do not withdraw by the end of a deadline agreed with Russia this week, days after Ankara launched a cross-border offensive into the Arab country.
Erdogan: Turkey Will 'Clear Terrorists' From Syria Border If Sochi Deal Fails RFE/RL 26 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Turkey will "clear terrorists" on its border in northeast Syria if Kurdish fighters do not withdraw by the end of a deadline agreed with Russia.
Turkish President Erdogan Says Will Clear Border With Syria of 'Terrorists' if Sochi Deal Fails Sputnik 26 Oct 2019 -- Ankara will resume operations in Syria against Kurdish forces if they remain inside the 20-mile security zone agreed with Russia, Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan said.
Ankara Says Turkish Military Op in Northern Syria is Temporary - German Foreign Minister Sputnik 26 Oct 2019 -- Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that Russian military police and Syrian border guards would facilitate the withdrawal of Kurdish militants from a safe zone on the Syria-Turkey border.
Erdogan Says Will 'Clear Terrorists' From Syria Border if Sochi Deal Fails VOA 26 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday his nation's military would "clear terrorists" from its border in northern Syria if the Kurdish YPG militia does not leave by the deadline agreed upon by Turkey and Russia earlier this week.
Turkey Targets Foreign Journalists in Press Freedom Crackdown VOA 25 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan filed a criminal complaint Friday against a French magazine over a cover accusing him of "ethnic cleansing," according to the state-owned Anadolu Agency.
UN says Turkish offensive in north Syria displaced nearly 180,000 people Press TV 25 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations says Turkey's now-suspended offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Syria has displaced about 180,000 people, including tens of thousands of children.
Turkey to crush Kurdish militants if they don't leave Syria safe zone, warns Erdogan Press TV 24 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Ergogan says Turkey will use its right to crush Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG) if they do not withdraw from a so-called "safe zone" in northern Syria under a truce agreement with Russia to run joint patrols around the area.
Turkey Isolated At NATO Meeting, Slammed For Syria Incursion RFE/RL 24 Oct 2019 -- Turkey was subjected to some harsh criticism for its invasion of northeast Syria at the start of a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on October 24.
Turkey's Key Objectives in Doubt Following Sochi Deal Over Syria VOA 24 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared it "historic," while Russian President Vladimir Putin dubbed as "crucial" the accord aimed at ending Turkey's military operation into Syria against a Kurdish militia.
Trump lifts sanctions against Turkey over ceasefire in Syria People's Daily 24 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he ordered U.S. sanctions on Turkey over its offensive in northern Syria to be lifted as Turkey had informed Washington of a "permanent" ceasefire in Syria.
US Defense Secretary: Turkey Put US in 'Very Terrible Situation' VOA 24 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says Turkey's offensive against Kurds in northeastern Syria was "unwarranted" and Ankara is "heading in the wrong direction" after its agreement with Russia to jointly patrol a "safe zone" in the region.
Trump Says Will Remove Sanctions on Turkey Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- The restrictions were imposed by Washington last week after Ankara launched Operation Peace Spring in Syria, which aimed to clear the US-backed Kurdish militants from near its borders.
Treasury Removes Sanctions Imposed on Turkish Ministries and Senior Officials Following Pause of Turkish Operations in Northeast Syria US Treasury 23 Oct 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed sanctions imposed on the Government of Turkey's Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as the Minister of National Defence, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Minister of the Interior, following Turkey's pause in military operations in Syria as agreed to with the United States on October 17, 2019 (the October Ceasefire).
Trump to Lift Turkey Sanctions VOA 23 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump says a U.S. brokered ceasefire in Turkey's assault on Kurds in northeastern Syria has become permanent and Washington is lifting sanctions imposed on Ankara.
Trump lifts Turkey sanctions as Syria truce turns permanent Press TV 23 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has officially removed economic sanctions imposed on Turkey, after Ankara informed Washington that a ceasefire in its ongoing military incursion into northern Syria will become "permanent."
Turkey Has Only Put Syria Operation on Hold, is Ready to 'Repel Terrorists' - Foreign Minister Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- A Turkish offensive launched on 9 October came to a halt last Thursday following an agreement by Washington and Ankara for a 120-hour armistice. The ceasefire officially terminated on Tuesday evening.
Turkish Defence Ministry: No Need to Carry Out New Operation in Syria 'At This Stage' Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- Following a negotiated settlement in Sochi earlier on Tuesday, Turkey's Defence Ministry has announced that its Operation Peace Spring is complete.
Moscow in talks with Ankara to clinch new S-400 deal, Russia says Press TV 23 Oct 2019 -- A high-ranking Russian military figure says Moscow has completed the deliveries of batteries of the advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems to Ankara, and that a new deal is under discussion.
Report: Turkey, Russia In Talks About More S-400 Sales RFE/RL 23 Oct 2019 -- Turkey is discussing buying more S-400 missile-defense systems from Moscow, according to Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, despite Washington's repeated warnings against such a move.
Turkey Aims to Enter First Indigenously Designed Submarine Into Service by 2040 Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- Earlier this month, Ankara announced the beginning of its Indigenous Submarine Project (MILDEN-Milli Denizalti), which aims to outfit the second-largest submarine force in NATO with homegrown subs for the first time by 2040.
Erdogan Invites EU Leaders to Istanbul or Syrian Border Towns to Discuss Future of NATO Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday invited the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to meet on the Turkish side of the Syrian border or in Istanbul to discuss outlooks for NATO.
US Senate Lambasts State Department for 'Inaction' Over Turkey's S-400s Acquisition Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- Russia and Turkey secured a $2.5 billion agreement on the delivery of S-400 air defence systems to Turkey in late 2017, with deliveries beginning in July. The decision prompted Washington to suspend Ankara's participation in the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter programme.
Trump Hails 'Big Success' on Turkey-Syria Border VOA 23 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump says there is "big success" on the Turkey-Syria border following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from northeast Syria and the end of a Turkish offensive against them.
Syrian Endgame Sparks Debate About Winners and Losers VOA 23 Oct 2019 -- Syria's conflict is entering its endgame, say analysts.
Remarks by President Trump on the Situation in Northern Syria The White House 23 Oct 2019
Trump hails Russia-Turkey safe zone in northern Syria Press TV 23 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has hailed the safe zone in northern Syria established by Russia and Turkey in the wake of US withdrawal from the Kurdish-controlled region.
Russia: US almost forcing Syria Kurds to confront Turkey Press TV 23 Oct 2019 -- Russia says the United States appears to be encouraging Kurdish militants in Syria to stay close to Turkey's border in defiance of a new Moscow-Ankara deal and keep fighting with the Turkish military, warning the Kurds to either leave those areas or be mauled by the Turks.
Moscow Accuses US of Abandoning Kurds in Syria, Forcing Them to Fight Turkey Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- Days before Turkey launched its operation in Syria on 9 October, the United States announced its intention to pull out its military service members from the country. The move has been widely condemned as a "betrayal” of the US-allied Kurds.
India Cuts Defence Exports to Turkey Amid Growing Tensions With Ankara - Reports Sputnik 23 Oct 2019 -- India has cut down its defence exports to Turkey, including explosives and detonators, due to Ankara's growing military cooperation with Islamabad, with whom New Delhi has had a decades-long strained relationship, the Economic Times reported, citing sources.
The Political History of the Kurds VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- The Kurds are one of the indigenous people of the Mesopotamian plains and the highlands, areas that today are contained within southeastern Turkey, northeastern Syria, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran and southwestern Armenia.
Turkey Says 'No Need' to Resume Offensive Against Kurds VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says there is "no need" to resume its military offensive against Syrian Kurds, saying the U.S. has told it that the Kurdish withdrawal from the northern Syrian border is complete.
US ready to attack Turkey if necessary, Pompeo claims Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- The United States, whose withdrawal from northern Syria gave Turkey the green light to attack Kurds in the region, would take "military action" against Ankara if necessary, claims the country's top diplomat.
Putin, Erdogan Did Not Discuss Purchase of Russian Jets or New S-400s - Military Cooperation Service Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Moscow and Ankara signed a loan agreement for the delivery of S-400 systems in December 2017. The deliveries kicked off in mid-summer. Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 prompted the US to suspend Ankara's participation in the F-35 joint strike fighter programme.
Erdogan Vows to Go Ahead With Syria Offensive 'More Strongly' if US Breaks its Promises Sputnik 22 Oct 2019 -- Operation Peace Spring, launched by Ankara on 9 October, was put on hold last Thursday after intense talks between Erdogan and US Vice President Mike Pence. However, minor clashes continue between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey in northern Syria.
Erdogan Meets Putin, Doubles Down on Anti-Kurd Offensive VOA 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to plot military strategy along Turkey's Syrian border, with Erdogan vowing to resume his offensive against Kurdish fighters if they do not leave the region before a cease-fire expires in hours.
Turkey, Russia agree to remove Kurdish militants from NE Syria, launch joint patrols Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Russia and Turkey have reached a deal to establish a safe zone long sought by Ankara in northern Syria, which will see Kurdish militants operating in the region removed to beyond 30 kilometers from the Turkish border.
Erdogan, Putin hold talks as withdrawal deadline for Syria Kurds draws near Press TV 22 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as a deadline draws near for Kurdish militants to withdraw from Syria's northern border areas near Turkey or face a renewed military offensive.
Russia, Turkey Decide On Joint Syria Patrols After Putin-Erdogan Meeting RFE/RL 22 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have made "momentous" decisions regarding Ankara's military offensive in northeast Syria, with both sides saying they had agreed to conduct joint military patrols in the tense region.
Turkey detains 3 pro-Kurdish mayors over 'terror' links Press TV 21 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has arrested three mayors from the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) on suspicion of "membership in a terror group" and "disseminating terror propaganda."
Since when did you start to side with terror? Erdogan asks West Press TV 21 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the West's failure to support Turkey's cross-border operation against Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria means "standing by terrorists."
Erdogan Criticizes Western Allies Over Syrian Operation Ahead of Putin Meeting VOA 21 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is ramping up pressure on his Western allies, as the end of a U.S.-brokered cease-fire approaches with Syrian Kurdish rebels.
Engel & European Allies Condemn Turkey's Invasion of Northern Syria U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs 21 Oct 2109 -- Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement with his counterparts in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Parliament condemning Turkey’s invasion of Northern Syria
Macron Tells Putin Syria Cease-Fire Should Be Extended RFE/RL 21 Oct 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that France wants to see an extension of a cease-fire by Turkey in northeast Syria.
12 militant prisons left unguarded due to Turkish offensive in Syria: Russia Press TV 21 Oct 2019 -- Russia says Turkey's offensive in northeastern Syria has left 12 Syrian prisons for foreign militants as well as eight refugee camps unguarded, warning about the return of hundreds of terrorists to their home countries.
Iran Rejects Turkish Military Posts Inside Syria, Urges Diplomatic Solution RFE/RL 21 Oct 2019 -- Iran has rejected the establishment of Turkish military posts inside of Syria, saying borders between the two countries should be respected.
Putin, Erdogan to Discuss Situation in Syria in Context of Offensive on 22 October - Kremlin Sputnik 21 Oct 2019 -- Putin, Sisi to Discuss Russia-Egypt Charter Flights Resumption 23 October
Russia Will Back Possibility to Amend Syria-Turkey Adana Pact If Sides Deem Necessary - Lavrov Sputnik 21 Oct 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu claimed that Syrian Kurds had begun leaving the country's safe zones, though they continue to violate a ceasefire regime.
Turkey can have bases on own soil, but not in Syria: Iran Press TV 21 Oct 2019 -- Iran has expressed opposition to Turkey establishing military bases inside Syria, calling on Ankara to respect the Arab country's territorial integrity.
Turkish Army Surrounded by Syrian One in Ras al-Ain, Soon to Leave - Syrian Lawmaker Sputnik 21 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian Army has surrounded the Turkish one in the border town of Ras al-Ain in north Syria, where Ankara has launched a military operation, and the Turkish forces are soon to withdraw from that area, member of the Syrian parliament, Jansit Kazan, said on Sunday.
NATO Created Working Group for Monitoring Turkish Operation in Syria - Reports Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- NATO has established a working group for the evaluation of Turkey's operation in Syria, with Ankara having committed to provide daily updates on the military action, refugees and damage inflicted in the course of the offensive, the Welt am Sonntag news outlet reported on Sunday.
Erdogan Threatens to Continue Operation in Syria if US Fails to Observe Its Commitments Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to continue Turkey's military operation in north Syria upon expiry of the 120-hour ceasefire, brokered within a Turkish-US deal, if the US fails to observe its commitments in terms of ensuring the withdrawal of the Kurdish troops from the agreed area.
Turkish Army Takes Control Over Syrian Border City Ras al-Ayn - Report Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- Ankara announced earlier this week that since the start of the Operation Peace Spring, Turkish forces have "neutralised" 525 armed militants in northern Syria.
Turkish Defence Ministry Says One Soldier Killed, Another Wounded by Kurdish Militants in Syria Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- A five-day ceasefire in the region was announced on Saturday after talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US Vice President Mike Pence, however, Turkey has already accused the Kurdish militia of attacking its armed forces. The SDF denied the claims, also accusing Ankara of breaking the deal to carry out attacks on them.
Kurdish militants withdrawing from Syrian town of Ras al-Ayn: Turkey Press TV 20 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says Kurdish militants are withdrawing from the Syrian border town of Ras al-Ayn according to an agreement brokered with the United States, days after the Turkish army launched a cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria.
Turkey mulls Syrian troops replacing Kurdish militants in 'safe zone' Press TV 20 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey does not want to see a single Kurdish militant left in the planned "safe zone" in northern Syria at the end of a fragile ceasefire in the region.
Syrian Kurd Militia Signals Pullback Possible, Turkey Talks Tough As Hurdles Remain RFE/RL 20 Oct 2019 -- A Syrian Kurdish militia leader has said his forces will withdraw from a border area in northeastern Syria to comply with a U.S.-brokered cease-fire deal if Turkish-led forces allow remaining Kurdish forces and civilians to leave an embattled city there.
Has Turkey's New Offensive Left French Special Forces 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place'? Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- In the context of the Turkish offensive and the withdrawal of American troops from the region, Paris announced on the night of 13-14 October that "in the coming hours" measures would be taken to ensure the safety of the French military and civilian personnel present in the combat zone.
Turkey to View Protection of Kurdish Units by Damascus as Declaration of War –Erdogan Aide Sputnik 20 Oct 2019 -- The possible protection of the Kurdish units, operating in northern Syria, by Damascus will be regarded by Ankara as a declaration of war on Turkey, Yasin Aktay, an adviser of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, said on Saturday.
Russia says new deal to supply air defense systems to Turkey highly likely Press TV 19 Oct 2019 -- Russia says it is highly likely that Moscow will sign a new contract with Turkey to supply its military with Russian air defense missile systems.
Erdogan threatens to crush heads of Kurdish forces if they refuse to withdraw Press TV 19 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will "implement its own plans" if Ankara and Moscow fail to find a solution to the presence of Syrian government forces in a "safe zone" that his country seeks to establish in northern Syria, warning also that Ankara will "crush the heads" of Kurdish militants if a deal with Washington on withdrawal of Kurdish forces from the region is not fully implemented.
Turkey May Buy More Russian Air Defence Systems Following S-400 Delivery Sputnik 19 Oct 2019 -- There is a high chance that Russia may get a new contract to deliver air defence systems to Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said on Saturday.
Erdogan: Turkey Will 'Crush the Heads' of Kurds in Northern Syria if They Don't Withdraw Before Tuesday Sputnik 19 Oct 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo flew to Ankara on Thursday, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hammering out a 120 hour ceasefire deal aimed at allowing Syrian Kurdish forces to retreat to a distance of about 30 km from the Syrian-Turkish border.
Turkey, Kurdish militants accuse each other of violating truce Press TV 19 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has accused Kurdish militants of violating a temporary truce in northern Syria even as a fragile ceasefire was reported to b holding.
UN investigates Turkey's alleged use of white phosphorus in Syria Press TV 19 Oct 2019 -- UN chemical weapons inspectors say they are investigating the possible use of white phosphorus-loaded munitions by Turkish forces during their recent incursion into northeast Syria.
Syrian Army Clashes With Turkey-Backed Militants in Border Areas – Reports Sputnik 19 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army clashed on Saturday with the Turkish-backed militants near the border city of Ras al-Ayn, the SANA news agency reported.
Turkish Military Accuses Kurdish Forces of Violating Ceasefire in Northern Syria Sputnik 19 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish Armed Forces accused on Saturday Kurdish militia of violating the 120-hour ceasefire agreement in the "safe zone" along the Turkish-Syrian border.
Turkey's Erdogan vows to renew operation in Syria if U.S. not keeping promises People's Daily 19 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that if the United States does not keep its promises after Turkey stops its military operation in northern Syria for 120 hours, Ankara will then continue its offensive.
Statement from the Secretary of Defense DoD 18 Oct 2019 -- "Yesterday, Vice President Pence announced an agreement between the United States and Turkey to establish a ceasefire in Northeast Syria. As a result, Turkey has agreed to pause its offensive operations in Syria for 120 hours to allow for the withdrawal of the Peoples Protection Units from the roughly 20-mile safe zone along its border. Upon completion of the YPG withdrawal, Turkey has committed to enacting a permanent ceasefire."
Esper to Turkish Counterpart: U.S. Expects Turkey to Honor Ceasefire DoD News 18 Oct 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper detailed what the United States expects from Turkey as a ceasefire in Northern Syria goes into effect.
Trump: US in position to impose very powerful sanctions on Turkey Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump has said the United States is in a position where it could impose very powerful sanctions on Turkey or others if it wanted to.
Erdogan threatens to re-launch Syria operation if truce not respected Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Turkey's army could restart its ground offensive in northeast Syria if Kurdish fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) do not pull back from a so-called safe zone under a five-day ceasefire.
Turkish airstrikes kill civilians; sporadic clashes continue in northeast Syria despite ceasefire Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkish airstrikes kill at least five civilians while sporadic clashes continue with Kurdish forces despite a ceasefire agreed between Ankara and Washington in northeast Syria.
Turkish-backed forces using white phosphorus against Kurds: Report Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- White phosphorus-loaded munitions appear to have been used by Turkish-backed forces in their ongoing operation in northeastern Syria, allegedly causing horrific burns on the bodies of Syrian Kurds, a report by Foreign Policy says.
Trump likens Turkey's offensive against Kurds to a schoolyard fight Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has praised the temporary cease-fire that Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reached with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and likened Ankara's military offensive against Syrian Kurds to a schoolyard fight.
EU Leaders Condemn Turkey's Operation in Northern Syria, Call for End to Military Action Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- The European Council condemned Turkey's military operation in northern Syria, noted the Turkish-US deal to suspend the offensive and called for ending military action in the area.
Amid ongoing fighting in northeast Syria, hundreds cross Iraqi border in search of safety UN News 18 Oct 2019 -- Shelling and clashes in northern Syria on the border with Turkey continue to cause hundreds of people to flee, the UN said on Friday, despite a cessation of hostilities deal between Turkish forces and Syrian-backed Kurdish military.
Syrian Locals Grieve as Turkey-Syrian Cease-fire Collapses VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- A smattering of celebratory bullets lit up the sky like fireworks in towns in northeastern Syria on Thursday night, but by Friday afternoon the mood was more somber.
Clashes Continue Between Turkish, Syrian Kurdish Forces Despite Cease-fire VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Friday that Turkish forces would intensify their operation into Syria if Kurdish militias failed to comply with an agreement struck with the United States. The warning was made as sporadic fighting continued and disputes emerged over the cease-fire terms.
No Letup in Smoke, Gunfire and a War of Words along Syrian-Turkish Border VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday hailed the U.S.-brokered pause in hostilities between Turkey and the Kurds in northeast Syria, despite reports of continued fighting.
Despite Reports of Fighting, US Hopeful Cease-fire Will Hold Between Turkey, Syria's Kurds VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Despite reports of continued fighting, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced hope on Friday that a U.S.-brokered cease-fire agreement would hold between Turkey and Syria's Kurds.
Who Are the Kurds? VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- The Kurds' involvement in the conflict in Syria is complicated, because of the group's troubled history that spreads across several regional borders. Here is a look at the current Kurdish crisis and how it came to be.
Turkish invasion must stop, all foreign troops must leave Syria: Assad Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has demanded a complete halt to Turkey's operation against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, and a full withdrawal of foreign forces illegally present in Syrian territories.
Deadly Clashes Reported In Northeastern Syria Despite Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkish-led bombardment killed 14 civilians in northeastern Syria on October 18, a war monitor said, despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that went into effect overnight.
Fighting Reported In Kurdish-Held Syrian Town Despite Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- Shelling and gunfire continued on October 18 in and around the northeast Syrian border town of Ras al-Ayn despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that went into effect overnight.
Influential U.S. Republican Senator Romney Slams Trump's Syria Pullout RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Republican Senator Mitt Romney, his party's 2012 presidential candidate, blasted President Donald Trump's decision to abandon Kurdish allies in Syria, saying on the Senate floor that it "will stand as a bloodstain in the annals of American history."
Syrian Army Enters Key Northern Town Gov't Troops Haven't Set Foot in Since 2012 – Photos, Videos Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's military operation against terrorist and Kurdish militia in northern Syria has had the unexpected side effect of uniting the Kurdish forces with Damascus, with the sides reaching a security agreement to allow Syrian Army forces to enter Kurdish-governed areas to help defend them against Ankara.
Trump Says Syria Ceasefire Has 'Good Chance of Success', Retweets Erdogan's Anti-Terrorism Message Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- On Thursday, Turkey agreed to suspend its Syria operation for 120 hours to facilitiate the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish militia forces to a distance of about 30 km from the Turkish border. The agreement came after Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo came to Ankara for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Estonian Interior Minister Says NATO 'Temporarily Paralyzed' Over Turkey's Syria Offensive Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Estonian Interior Minister Mart Helme said Thursday he was concerned that big NATO partners looked elsewhere as cooperation within the alliance came to a standstill.
Pelosi, Schumer call US-Turkey agreement on Syria offensive 'sham' Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer have described as a "sham" an agreement reached between the United States and Turkey to end the military incursion into Syria.
Special Representative for Syria Engagement James F. Jeffrey Remarks to the Traveling Press US Dept. of State 17 Oct 2019
Syria Camp Housing Hardcore IS Families Spiraling 'Out of Control' VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- "Get out of here!" shouts a woman draped in black, sitting on cardboard in the dusty camp market.
UN chief welcomes Turkey pause in Syria assault Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed "any efforts" to de-escalate the situation in northern Syria and protect civilians, a UN spokesman said in a statement on Thursday after Turkey agreed to pause its military operation in the region.
Pence: Turkey, US agree to temporary ceasefire in Syria Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has agreed to end the military offensive in northern Syria after Kurdish fighters withdraw from a safe zone, US Vice President Mike Pence has said.
US, Turkey Agree to a Ceasefire in Syria - Pence Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- US Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo arrived in Ankara on Thursday to discuss the ongoing Turkish military operation in northern Syria.
Remarks by Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo in Press Conference | Ankara, Turkey The White House 17 Oct 2019
The United States and Turkey Agree to Ceasefire in Northeast Syria The White House 17 Oct 2019
Turkey Agrees to Halt in Offensive on Kurdish Fighters in Northern Syria VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey agreed Thursday to a 120-hour cease-fire in its assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced in Ankara, after extensive talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey Agrees To Suspend Syria Operations RFE/RL 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has agreed to a cease-fire in northern Syria to let Kurdish-led forces withdraw, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
US Senate Sanctions Bill Targets Turkey Over Syria Campaign, S-400 Purchase Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- The Trump administration greenlit sanctions against Turkish officials and entities on Monday over Ankara's operation in northern Syria. Previously, lawmakers had sought to sanction Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over its purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
German Arms Sales to Turkey Hit 14 Year High Before Being Slashed Over Ankara's Syria Op - Report Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed Thursday that Berlin would not deliver any new arms to Turkey so long as Ankara continues its controversial military campaign in northern Syria.
US bombs munitions storage bunker left behind in Syria Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The United States has bombed its own munitions storage bunker at a base in northern Syria after American troops vacated the site prior to a Turkish offensive in the region.
Dick Cheney's daughter unveils Turkey sanctions legislation in Congress Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Elizabeth Lynne Cheney, the Republican Conference Chairwoman of the US House of Representatives, has unveiled legislation to place sanctions on Turkey in response Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
Syria will respond through all legitimate means to Turkish aggression: Assad Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Damascus government will respond through all legitimate means available to the ongoing ground offensive by Turkish soldiers and allied Takfiri militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of the war-battered Arab country.
Syria: Turkish offensive anchored in Erdogan's expansionist illusions Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian government has strongly condemned the ongoing ground offensive by Turkish soldiers and allied Takfiri militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of the war-battered Arab country, saying the military operation has its roots in the "expansionist ambitions and illusions" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration.
Turkey's Syria incursion displaces over 300,000: Monitor Press TV 17 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced over 300,000 people, a report says.
Damascus Opposes Idea of Autonomous Kurdistan, No Conditions for That in Syria - Assad's Adviser Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Syrian president's political adviser Bouthaina Shaaban on Thursday described US-Turkey agreement on ceasefire in northern Syria as "unclear."
Syrian Kurds Welcome US-Turkey Agreement on Ceasefire in Northern Syria - Reports Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- Senior Kurdish official Aldar Khalil welcomed on Thursday the agreement between the United States and Turkey on a ceasefire in Syria, Al-Arabiya television reported.
Escalating Violence in Syria Making Aid Delivery Difficult VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- Aid workers say escalating violence near the border between Turkey and Syria is making it hard to deliver aid to the hundreds of thousands of people in need. At least 1,000 Syrians have fled to neighboring Iraq in search of safety from Turkey's bombardment and Syrian-allied troops on the ground.
IS Families Call for Uprising in Wake of Turkish Military Operations VOA 17 Oct 2019 -- "Get out of here!" shouts a woman draped in black, sitting on cardboard in the dusty camp market.
Syrian army enters key Kurdish-held town in northern Syria amid Turkish assault People's Daily 17 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army on Wednesday entered the symbolically important Kurdish-held town of Ayn al-Arab in northern Syria near Turkey, state news agency SANA reported.
50 US Nuclear Bombs at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey Essentially 'Hostage' – Report Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- US Officials are reviewing plans to evacuate up to 50 nuclear bombs that have long been stored at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in the wake of Ankara's military offensive in northern Syria, according to a report from the New York Times.
'Don't Be a Fool!': Trump in Newly Released Letter Urges Erdogan Against Syria Offensive Sputnik 17 Oct 2019 -- A transcript of a letter that was sent from US President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been circulating all over Twitter Wednesday, and users are having a lot of fun with it.
Trump: I Did Not Green-Light Turkish Incursion Into Syria VOA 16 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump forcefully rejected allegations Wednesday that he was responsible for Turkey's invasion of northeast Syria.
Erdogan Slams US Peace Efforts Ahead of Pence, Pompeo Visit VOA 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged Wednesday to continue a military operation into Syria, despite calls from Washington for a cease-fire.
Moscow Warns Turkey to Limit Syria Offensive VOA 16 Oct 2019 -- Russians officials urged Turkey to limit the duration and scale of its cross-border military incursion into northeast Syria, stressing Turkish troops must at all costs avoid clashing with Syrian government forces, which have moved north and are racing to take over Kurdish border towns ahead of the Turks.
Erdogan to Meet with VP Pence, Pompeo in Turkey VOA 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkish officials say President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo when they travel to Turkey to press for a halt to Ankara's invasion of northeast Syria.
Turkey rejects U.S. proposal for cease-fire with Kurdish forces in Syria People's Daily 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on late Tuesday rejected the offer of his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump for a cease-fire with the Syrian Kurdish fighters, but agreed to keep in dialogue with Washington.
Erdogan says won't hold talks with US delegation on Ankara visit Press TV 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he would not meet with US Vice President Mike Pence and State Secretary Mike Pompeo during their visit to Ankara to discuss a ground offensive by his country's military forces and allied militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of Syria.
Turkey's war on Syria 'not our problem,' Trump says, claiming Kurds were 'paid a lot of money' Press TV 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's offensive against Kurds in northern Syria is "not our problem," says US President Donald Trump as pressure mounts on his administration over abandoning of the formerly US-backed forces in the region.
Erdogan: No talks with Syria Kurds until safe zone established Press TV 16 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will never sit at the negotiating table with Kurdish militants in Syria, emphasizing that Ankara's military operation in the Arab country's north will come to an end only when the Kurds leave the region and a "safe zone" is established there.
US House Votes to Condemn Trump's Troop Withdrawal, Turkish Incursion in Syria Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the US House of Representatives has voted by a large majority to condemn US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from eastern Syria, as well as the Turkish invasion of that territory that quickly followed.
Turkey Says It Is Preparing Retaliatory Sanctions Against US Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Chair of the House Republican Committee Liz Cheney said that US House Republicans were preparing a bill to impose sanctions on Turkey which they would introduce in the coming hours.
Republican Lindsey Graham: Erdogan Made "Phone" Commitment to Trump to Stay Away from Kobani Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Last Wednesday, Turkey launched a cross-border operation in the north of Syria, It claimed the move was to remove Kurdish forces and Daesh* militants from the area and establish a "safe zone" for Syrian refugees.
Turkey to Respond Reciprocally to US Sanctions Over Operation in Syria - Foreign Minister Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkey will respond to the sanctions imposed by the United States in response to Ankara's military operation in north Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.
Erdogan Slams Arab League for Lack of Support For Conflict-Affected Syrians - Reports Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised on Wednesday the League of Arab States (LAS) for its lack of support for Syrians amid the conflict in their country and noted that Ankara's ongoing operation was aimed at fighting Syria's oppressors and not Syrians themselves, the Daily Sabah newspaper reported.
Ankara Vows to Retaliate for 'Unacceptable' US Sanctions, Threats Over Syria Op Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorising broad-ranging sanctions against Turkish officials and entities, including the Turkish defence and energy ministries, in response to Ankara's ongoing military operations in northern Syria.
Turkey Expects Russia to Complete S-400 Deliveries by End of Year - President Erdogan Vows to Retaliate for 'Unacceptable' US Sanctions, Threats Over Syria Op Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- The last stage of Russia's deliveries of S-400 air defence systems to Turkey is expected to be completed in November-December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.
Kurdish authorities say Turkish assault displaces 275,000 in northern Syria People's Daily 16 Oct 2019 -- The Kurdish Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, known as Rojava, said on Tuesday that the ongoing Turkish assault in northern Syria has so far displaced over 275,000 people.
Govt. forces enter Kurdish-inhabited Kobani in northern Syria Press TV 16 Oct 2019 -- Units of Syrian government troops have entered a strategic Kurdish-populated city in the country's northern province of Aleppo, amid an ongoing military offensive by Turkish soldiers and allied militants against Kurdish forces in the northern part of the war-battered Arab country.
Russia patrols will not allow conflict between Turkish, Syrian armies Press TV 16 Oct 2019 -- Russia says its military police units are patrolling along contact line areas between Turkish and Syrian armies near Syria's flashpoint northern city of Manbij to help avert a possible confrontation following the withdrawal of American troops and the subsequent launch of a Turkish offensive against Kurdish militants in the area.
Trump Says Kurdish Group PKK Is Worse Than Daesh Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- The statement was made during a joint press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The latter arrived for a bilateral meeting with Trump at the White House.
Trump Says 'It's Fine' If Syria Gets Help From Russia, Claims Kurds 'are No Angels' Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Turkey launched a military operation in northern Syria last week, with the campaign, dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring', supposedly aimed at the creation of a security zone along the Turkish-Syrian border free of Daesh (ISIS)* terrorists and Syrian Kurdish YPG militants, whom Turkey also labels a terrorist entity.
Pompeo Says US is Working To Make Sure There is No Vacuum in Syria Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday to discuss the ongoing military operation in Syria.
US Drops Turkey From Anti-Daesh Intel Sharing Programme Amid Ankara's Syria Op – Report Sputnik 16 Oct 2019 -- Testy US-Turkish relations sunk to a new low last week after Ankara launched a military operation in northern Syria, with Washington and its European partners criticising the attack on their erstwhile Syrian Kurdish allies, with Ankara vowing that nothing would stop its operations to shore up the security of its southern borders.
U.S. Envoys Head To Turkey As Erdogan Says He Won't Agree To Truce In North Syria RFE/RL 16 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is dispatching his vice president, top diplomat, and national-security adviser to Ankara on October 16 to demand a cease-fire while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will "never" order a truce in northern Syria.
Turkey may be 'responsible' for executions of Kurds in Syria: UN Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations has warned that reported summary executions of civilians in northeastern Syria carried out by Turkish-backed Takfiri terrorists could constitute a "war crime," and that the Ankara government could be "deemed responsible."
Turkish Invasion of Syria Upends Possibility of Peace in Region DoD News 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish invasion of neighboring Syria has resulted in widespread casualties, large numbers of refugees, widespread destruction and growing insecurity, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
US Delegation Heading to Turkey to Push for Syria Cease-fire VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will head a high-level delegation to Turkey to press that country's president to halt his invasion of northeast Syria, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday.
Health Crisis Looms as Aid Organizations Pull Out of Syria VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Eight-year-old Sara hardly speaks anymore. She spends most of her time watching cartoons on a mobile phone in a rugged pink cover.
Doctors Without Borders Suspends Operations as Turkish Forces Move In VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF, announced that it would be suspending its operations in northeastern Syria due to "extreme volatility in the region."
State-Run Turkish Bank Charged With Evading U.S. Sanctions On Iran RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Majority state-owned Turkish bank Halkbank has been criminally charged in an indictment for involvement in a multibillion-dollar scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.
US Troops Fully Withdrawn from Manbij - Senior US State Department Official Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army previously retook control over the city of Manbij amid a confrontation between Kurdish militants and Turkish forces that started almost a week ago, following the beginning of Ankara's offensive in Syria.
US troops express anger at Trump's 'betrayal' of Kurds Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has "betrayed" the Kurdish people who were US allies in northeastern Syria, American military officials have said.
Erdogan Remains Defiant in Face of US Sanctions VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- U.S. sanctions on Turkey over its Syrian military offensive are being dismissed by the political leadership in Ankara, as financial markets shrug off the measures.
US Pushing for Cease-fire After Turkey's Push Into N. Syria VOA 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States says diplomatic efforts are on "high gear" to press for a cease-fire after Turkey's incursion into northern Syria, as Washington tries to get the situation under control, according to a senior State Department official.
Turkey arrests 4 Kurdish mayors amid Syria offensive Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has arrested four mayors from the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP), in an apparent crackdown on critics of Ankara's latest offensive against Syria.
US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Syria offensive Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on two Turkish ministries and three senior government officials over the country's military offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Syria.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Turkish Ministers Over Syria Offensive RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense minister and two other ministers in response to Ankara's military assault on northeast Syria, as President Donald Trump called his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to demand an immediate cease-fire.
UK Foreign Secretary Says Licenses for Defence Exports to Turkey Will be Suspended Amid Syria Op Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish offensive in northern Syria, which started on 9 October, has been condemned by the international community, with Syria calling it a violation of its territorial integrity.
Turkey Launched Operation in Syria Because US Failed to Observe Commitments - Minister Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has launched the military operation in Kurd-populated north of Syria because the United States failed to observe its commitments on establishing a jointly controlled demilitarized zone in the area, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday.
Syrian army troops take full control of Manbij Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- Syrian army troops have established full control over Manbij, a city in the northern province of Aleppo, and its nearby settlements, amid Turkey's cross-border invasion in northeastern Syria and an abrupt US retreat of its forces from the city.
Day 7 of Turkey Syria offensive: Latest updates Press TV 15 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish army is pushing ahead with a military operation, which entered its 7th day on Tuesday, against the Kurdish militants controlling northern Syria, in complete defiance of the international community.
Russia Vows To Prevent Clashes Between Syrian, Turkish Armies RFE/RL 15 Oct 2019 -- Russia says it won't allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces as Turkey pressed its offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
US Secretary of Defense Affirms US and International Opposition of Turkish Invasion in Syrian Territories SPA 15 Oct 2019 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper affirmed that "despite the opposition and repeated warnings from the United States and the international community, Turkish President Erdogan ordered a unilateral invasion of northern Syria that has resulted in widespread casualties, refugees, destruction, insecurity, and a growing threat to US military forces.
Russia, Damascus Ensure Safe Pullout of Foreign Troops From Syria's North-East Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Russian military and the Syrian authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe withdrawal of foreign troops from northeastern Syria as the evacuation of US servicemen continues, the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said Tuesday.
SDF Deal With Damascus 'Forced Step', Russia to Play Key Role in Process – Kurdish Official Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) handover of the Kurdish-controlled towns of Manbij and Kobane as part of the deal with Damascus to the national army is a forced step aimed at protecting themselves from the Turkish offensive, Abdul Hakim Bashar, vice president of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, said.
Turkey military action in Syria Urgent Question: Foreign Secretary's opening statement UK FCO 15 Oct 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab answered an Urgent Question in the House of Commons about Turkey's incursion into north east Syria.
Syria war: executions condemned as violence continues 'on both sides' of border with Turkey UN News 15 Oct 2019 -- Amid ongoing fighting in northern Syria and disturbing reports that extrajudicial killings have been streamed online, the United Nations and their partners are continuing to deliver humanitarian supplies to tens of thousands of people displaced by the violence, UN agencies stressed on Tuesday.
FM Zarif calls for ending incursion into Syria IRNA 15 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message called for ending incursion into Syria and addressing all concerns through ADANA.
Trump Calls on Erdogan to Stop Syria Offensive, Sends Delegation to Turkey - Pence Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has called on his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop the operation in northern Syria and has directed US Vice President Mike Pence to head to Turkey for negotiations, Pence told reporters.
Pentagon Says Turkey's Operation in Syria 'Growing Threat', US Continues Troop Withdrawal Sputnik 15 Oct 2019 -- The Pentagon considers Turkey's operation in Syria an "impulsive" move that undermines efforts to defeat the Daesh* terror group, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said in a statement, stressing that the United States continues its troop withdrawal from northern Syria.
Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 14 Oct 2019
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Turkey's Actions in Northeast Syria The White House 14 Oct 2019
Sanctioning the Government of Turkey in Response to the Ongoing Military Offensive in Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 14 Oct 2019 -- "On Friday, the United States signaled its intent to take action in response to Turkey's ongoing unilateral military offensive in northeast Syria. President Donald J. Trump has now signed an Executive Order to press Turkey to halt its military offensive against northeast Syria and adopt an immediate ceasefire."
Treasury Designates Turkish Ministries and Senior Officials in Response to Military Action in Syria US Treasury 14 Oct 2019 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against two ministries and three senior Turkish Government officials in response to Turkey's military operations in Syria. The Turkish Government's actions are endangering innocent civilians, and destabilizing the region, including undermining the campaign to defeat ISIS."
Trump: US Will Impose 'Big Sanctions' Against Turkey for Onslaught on Kurds VOA 14 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday promised "big sanctions" against Turkey for its invasion into northern Syria against Kurdish fighters, but again defended his withdrawal of American troops who had been fighting alongside the Kurds against Islamic State terrorists.
Trump: 'Big sanctions on Turkey coming' Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has said that "big sanctions" on Turkey are coming after its military launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
US Defense Secretary Blasts Erdogan for 'Unnecessary' Syria Incursion VOA 14 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "bears full responsibility" for the resurgence of Islamic State, a growing humanitarian crisis, and possible war crimes.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper Regarding Turkey, Syria Border Actions DoD 14 Oct 2019 -- "Despite the opposition and repeated warnings from the United States and the international community, Turkish President Erdogan ordered a unilateral invasion of northern Syria that has resulted in widespread casualties, refugees, destruction, insecurity, and a growing threat to U.S. military forces."
Turkey will march on no matter what anyone says: Erdogan Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will not back down from its offensive against Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria irrespective of "what anyone says."
EU censures Turkey's Syria incursion, warns of consequences Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- The European Union has censured Turkey's offensive against Kurds in northeastern Syria, warning about "dramatic consequences" of Ankara's action.
EU Nations Urge All Member-States to Halt Arms Sales to Turkey Amid Syria Offensive Sputnik 14 Oct 2019 -- France and Germany have previously restricted the sale of weapons to Ankara, criticising Turkey for its offensive against Kurdish-led militia in northern Syria.
French Foreign Minister Calls on EU to Consider Turkish Arms Embargo Amid Syria Offensive Sputnik 14 Oct 2019 -- Ankara launched "Operation Peace Spring" last Wednesday, vowing to drive Daesh* terrorists and US-backed Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) out of northern Syria, resulting in an escalation of tensions in the region.
Military operation in northeast Syria could see unintentional release of ISIL affiliates: UN chief UN News 14 Oct 2019 -- The ongoing Turkish military incursion in northeast Syria could unintentionally lead to the release of scores of people associated with the terrorist group ISIL, the UN Secretary-General fears.
UN Chief Calls for 'Immediate De-escalation' in NE Syria VOA 14 Oct 2019 -- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called Monday for the "immediate de-escalation" of the situation in northeastern Syria, as the humanitarian situation rapidly worsens with Turkey's military pushing farther into the area.
Kremlin Confident Turkey Will Soon Halt Syria Incursion VOA 14 Oct 2019 -- Russian officials say they expect Turkey to start halting soon its cross-border incursion in north-eastern Syria. They say Syria's Kurds have agreed to shelve their plans for a self-governing state and Kurdish fighters will join Syrian forces patrolling the border.
Syrian govt., not US, must protect Kurds against Turkey: Trump Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other countries should be responsible for protecting the US-allied Kurds in northern Syria against a Turkish incursion, not the US which is "7,000 miles away" from Syria.
Syrian army troops enter key northern city of Manbij: SANA Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- Syrian government troops have entered the northern Kurdish-held city of Manbij on the sixth day of Turkey's aggression against the Arab country, state media says.
Syrian troops enter three towns after deal with Kurds Press TV 14 Oct 2019 -- Syrian army troops have entered the towns of Tabqah, Ain Issa and Tel Tamer in northeastern Syria after Damascus reached an agreement with Kurds in the region to deploy troops in the area, state media report.
Syrian Kurds: Russia-Brokered Deal With Assad Meant To Protect Border RFE/RL 14 Oct 2019 -- Syrian Kurdish leaders say a Moscow-brokered deal with President Bashar al-Assad's government centers for now on Syrian troops deploying along the border and the two sides will discuss politics later.
Turkish Assault On Syria Puts Tajik 'Islamic State' Women In Peril RFE/RL 14 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish military incursion into northern Syria has sparked "fear and panic" in displacement camps that houses thousands of women and children with suspected links to Islamic State (IS), according to Tajik women living there.
Trump Says Syria's Assad Should Protect Kurds After US Troops Pullout Sputnik 14 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said Monday he hoped that Syrian President Bashar Assad would do a great job protecting Syrian Kurds from Turkey after most of US troops were withdrawn.
Syrian Kurdish forces declare deal with gov't to confront Turkish assault People's Daily 14 Oct 2019 -- The Kurdish Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, known as Rojava, said on Sunday that it had reached an agreement with the Syrian government to confront the current Turkish assault.
Turkish Airstrike on Kurdish Convoy in Syria Kills 11, Injures 74, Including Journalists - Reports Sputnik 14 Oct 2019 -- At least 11 people were killed and 74 injured in a Turkish airstrike on a convoy in northern Syria, Kurdish media reported Sunday.
Western threats won't stop Turkey's operation in Syria: Erdogan Press TV 13 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says threats of sanctions and arms embargoes by Western powers will not halt his country's cross-border military offensive against Kurdish militants in Syria's northeast.
Turkish troops seize Syria's Suluk; Daesh families flee camp Press TV 13 Oct 2019 -- Turkish forces have seized large parts of the northern Syrian town of Suluk on the fifth day of an invasion which also saw families of Daesh members escape a camp held by Kurdish forces.
Turkey Condemns Arab League Statement on 'Operation Peace Spring in Syria' Sputnik 13 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has strongly condemned the Arab League's statement, which slammed Ankara's ongoing operation in northern Syria, Communications Director at the Turkish Presidential Administration Fahrettin Altun said.
Kurds Strike Deal with Syrian Army to Counter Turkey VOA 13 Oct 2019 -- Syrian government forces will deploy along the Turkish border to help repel the Turkish military incursion against Syrian Kurds, Kurdish officials announced Sunday.
Kurdish-Led Administration, Damascus Agree to Deploy Syrian Troops Along Turkish Border to Counter Ankara's Offensive Sputnik 13 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish-led authorities in the northern part of Syria have reached an agreement with the Syrian government in Damascus to deploy Syrian forces along the entire Turkish border to assist in repelling an ongoing military invasion by Damascus.
UN Warns Condition of Civilians Caught in Turkish Offensive in Syria VOA 13 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. warns that conditions for hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in the midst of Turkey's military offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas of north-eastern Syria is rapidly deteriorating.
Syrian Christians Fear Persecution During Turkey Offensive VOA 13 Oct 2019 -- As the Turkish military and its allied Syrian rebels continue their operation against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in northeast Syria, Christian communities in the region fear that the Turkish-led offensive is threatening their very existence in the war-torn country.
Syrian army units move north to 'confront Turkish aggression' Press TV 13 Oct 2019 -- The Syrian army has dispatched several units to the northern part of the country to confront a ground offensive by the Turkish military and allied militants from the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) on border towns under the control of Kurdish communities.
Mattis: Daesh will surge back after Trump's Syria withdrawal Press TV 13 Oct 2019 -- Former US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said that Daesh "will resurge" in Syria, following President Donald Trump's withdrawal of troops from the region.
Former U.S. Defense Chief Mattis Warns IS Could 'Resurge' RFE/RL 13 Oct 2019 -- Former U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned over disagreements with President Donald Trump, has warned that the Islamic State (IS) extremist group could "resurge" in the wake of Trump's decision to pull troops out of northeast Syria.
US Says Turkey Deliberately Fired Near American Troop Positions in Kobani - Report Sputnik 13 Oct 2019 -- US troops came under fire from Turkish positions near the Syrian city of Kobani on Friday amid the ongoing Turkish military operation against Daesh and the Kurdish-led forces that are considered by Ankara to be terrorists.
US troops come under Turkish artillery fire in northeast Syria Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- A US military position in northern Syria has come under Turkish artillery fire, almost hitting the outpost where American troops were based in.
US threatens Turkey with 'immediate defensive action' after Syria artillery fire Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- The United States has threatened to take an "immediate defensive action" after a contingent of its forces was caught up in Turkish shelling in northern Syria.
U.S. threatens Turkey with harsh sanctions for offensive in Syria People's Daily 12 Oct 2019 -- The Trump administration on Friday issued harsh sanction warnings to Turkey, seeking to halt the latter's further military operations in northern Syria.
France, Germany suspend selling arms to Turkey over Syria operation Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- France and Germany have announced that they are imposing an immediate halt to arms exports to Turkey over Ankara's continued war on Kurds in northern Syria.
Arab League urges Turkey to immediately withdraw troops from Syria Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- The secretary general of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has called on Turkey to immediately put an end to its military operation in northeastern Syria and pull of its troops out of the war-torn Arab country.
Turkish troops take Syrian town of Ras al-Ain: Defense Ministry Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's defense ministry says its forces have taken control of the Syrian border town of Ras al-Ain from US-backed Kurdish militants.
UK PM Johnson Denounces Turkey's Incursion in Syria, Urges Erdogan to End Military Operation Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday evening, expressing grave concern about the ongoing military operation in northern Syria.
France Suspends Weapons Exports To Turkey Amid 'Operation Peace Spring' Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Turkish military invasion in Syria and urged Ankara to immediately cease its aggression.
Arab League Urges Turkey to Immediately Withdraw Troops From Syria Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- The secretary-general of the League of Arab States (LAS), Ahmed Aboul Gheit, on Saturday called upon Turkey to immediately halt the military operation in Syria's north and withdraw troops from the territory of the war-torn Arab republic.
Turkey Neutralises 415 'Terrorists' in Northern Syria - Defenсe Ministry Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- The number of mainly Kurdish militants neutralized by Turkish forces since the launch of Operation Peace Spring in Syria's north has risen to 415, Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Saturday.
EU Members Condemn Turkey's Offensive in Syria, to Discuss Possible Sanctions Next Week Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- The European Union has called on Turkey to end its military operation in Syria's north as individual member states have vocally condemned the offensive, and intends to address the situation, as well as the possible introduction of sanctions on Ankara next week.
Arab League Condemns Turkey's Syria Incursion, Calls for UN Action VOA 12 Oct 2019 -- Arab League foreign ministers condemned Turkey's military incursion into northern Syria. The League's secretary general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said the group is calling on the U.N. Security Council to take action against Turkey.
Monitor Groups Warn of Enduring Refugee Crisis Amid Turkish Incursion in Syria VOA 12 Oct 2019 -- Human rights organizations say they are preparing for a long-lasting displacement of civilians in northeastern Syria as a result of a military operation by Turkey and its aligned Syrian militants against the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces.
WFP Says 100,000 in Syria Flee Turkish Offensive VOA 12 Oct 2019 -- The World Food Program says more than 100,000 people have been displaced so far by the Turkish invasion of northern Syria.
Zarif: Iran expects Turkey to respect Adana accord on Syria IRNA 12 Oct 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a message on Saturday that the Islamic Republic of Iran expects Turkish Government to respect Adana Accord on Syria which is effective to remove Turkey's security concerns.
Iran offers to bring together Syrian Kurds, Damascus government, Turkey Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister has offered to bring together Syrian Kurds, the Damascus government and Turkey in an effort to establish security along the Turkish-Syrian border.
Turkish attacks on Syrian Kurds help Daesh inmates break out of jail Press TV 12 Oct 2019 -- Five Daesh prisoners have managed to break out of a jail in northern Syria after Turkish mortar attacks nearby, media reports say, as Kurdish forces abandon guarding the prisons amid Ankara's incursion.
U.S. Forces Come Under Turkish Fire As Ankara Presses On In Syria RFE/RL 12 Oct 2019 -- U.S. troops at a military outpost in northeast Syria came under artillery fire from Turkish positions, as Ankara's forces pressed on with their offensive against U.S.-allied Syrian Kurdish fighters.
France, Arab League Warn Turkish Offensive In Syria Could Aid Islamic State RFE/RL 12 Oct 2019 -- France and the Arab League have called on Turkey to halt its military offensive in Syria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs: Turkish Military Operations Violate Syria's Sovereignty, Pose Threat to Regional Security, Peace SPA 12 Oct 2019 -- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Member of the Cabinet Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir reaffirmed here today, that the Turkish military operations, in northeastern Syria, are very dangerous, as they represent a violation of the rules of international and humanitarian law, expressing thanks of the Arab Republic of Egypt for calling the emergency meeting of the Arab League council, to convene, at the ministerial level, to discuss the seriousness of the current situation, in northeastern Syria.
Emergency Meeting of AL Foreign Ministers to Discuss Turkish Aggression, on Syria, Concluded SPA 12 Oct 2019 -- The Arab League (AL) council concluded here today its emergency meeting, at the level of Arab foreign ministers, which discussed the Turkish aggression on Syria.
Syria Should Be Cleared of Any Foreign Military Presence - Putin Sputnik 12 Oct 2019 -- Earlier this week, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring in Syria's north, targeting the predominantly-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Daesh terrorists.
US Watching Northeastern Syria Quickly Turn Into Quaqmire VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- "We oppose and are greatly disappointed by Turkey's decision to launch a unilateral military incursion into northern Syria," he said, describing the decision as "impulsive."
Kurdish-Led Syrian Forces: 10,000 Displaced in Turkish Offensive VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces say Turkey's three-day-old offensive in northern Syria aimed at clearing a border zone of Kurdish forces has displaced more than 10,000 people from their homes.
DOD Statement on Artillery Incident Near Kobani DoD 11 Oct 2019 -- "U.S. troops in the vicinity of Kobani came under artillery fire from Turkish positions at approximately 9 p.m. local Oct. 11."
Treasury Developing New Authorities to Target Turkey for Any Potential Human Rights Abuses or Destabilizing Actions in Syria US Treasury 11 Oct 2019 -- "Given Turkey's ongoing military offensive in northeastern Syria, President Donald J. Trump intends to sign an Executive Order to dissuade Turkey from any further offensive military action in northeast Syria, including but not limited to indiscriminate targeting of civilians, targeting of civilian infrastructure, targeting of ethnic or religious minorities, or targeting or other actions that undermine the continued counterterrorism activities of the Syrian Democratic Forces."
US Preparing Sanctions on Turkey VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is loading "very powerful" sanctions to impose on Turkey for its attacks on Syrian territory, but it is not yet pulling the trigger.
Statement by Department of Defense Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman DoD 11 Oct 2019
Erdogan says Turkey won't stop military operation against Syria Kurds Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will not stop its military operation against Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria "no matter what anyone says", a day after he vowed to flood Europe with millions of refugees if the European Union brands the offensive an invasion.
Ankara Says It Bought Russia's S-400s So It Wouldn't Have to 'Beg' for NATO Air Defences Forever Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, after accusing the US of providing Syrian Kurdish forces with "sophisticated and heavy" weaponry, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara expects solidarity from its NATO allies over its operations in northern Syria. Most of Turkey's allies have criticised the campaign, with some threatening Ankara with sanctions.
EU Sanctions Against Turkey Over Syrian Offensive 'on Table' - Paris Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Earlier in the day, Norway followed Finland's example and decided to halt new military exports to Ankara following its military operation in Syria.
First Turkish Soldier Killed During Ankara's 'Operation Peace Spring' in Syria - Defence Ministry Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkey kicked off "Operation Peace Spring" against Kurdish militia forces in de facto autonomous northeastern Syria in the wake of US troops' departure from the region, with the stated goal of eliminating "terror threats" along the Turkish border with Syria and establishing a safe zone for the return of refugees.
Secretary General in Istanbul: Turkey is a great power in this great region and with great power comes great responsibility NATO 11 Oct 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Turkey on Friday (11 October 2019) to discuss preparations for the NATO leaders' meeting in London this December, marking NATO's 70th anniversary. Mr. Stoltenberg met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They discussed the Alliance's continued adaptation and the security situation in the region. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Secretary General thanked Turkey for its commitment and many contributions to NATO.
Norway Stops Military Equipment Exports to Fellow NATO Member Turkey Over Syria Offensive Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Oslo has followed Helsinki's lead in putting a halt to new military exports to Ankara following its military operation in Syria, which has left its NATO allies divided.
Turkey Claims 11 Syrian Villages Cleared of Kurdish Forces Amid 'Operation Peace Spring' - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish-led forces have been forced out of 11 settlements, located in the vicinity of the town of Tal Abyad and the city of Ras al-Ain, since the beginning of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, media reported on Friday.
Russia, US veto European statement on Turkey's Syria action Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian and the United States have used their veto power at the United Nations Security Council to vote down a European statement against Turkey's invasion of northern Syria.
Turkey's Syria offensive could spark another catastrophe, warn humanitarians UN News 11 Oct 2019 -- Airstrikes and a ground offensive by Turkey in northern Syria against Kurdish forces have left civilians dead and forced tens of thousands to flee, UN agencies said on Friday, amid fears of another "humanitarian catastrophe" in the war-torn country.
Turkey's Military Action Interrupted Syria Humanitarian Effort, UN Says VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- U.N. agencies say intense shelling and airstrikes by Turkish forces along the northeastern Syrian border with Turkey are having a devastating impact on the estimated 3 million people who live there.
Residents Flee as Turkish, Kurdish Forces Battle for Border Towns VOA 11 Oct 2019 -- NATO is urging Turkey to exercise restraint in its incursion into northeastern Syria.
Esper Condemns Turkey's Syria Incursion, Says U.S. Stands With Syrian Democratic Forces DoD News 11 Oct 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper condemned Turkey's unilateral military incursion into Northern Syria, saying the move endangers civilians, will encourage instability and may cause the resurrection of ISIS.
Esper condemns Turkish offensive, says US military not abandoning Kurds in Syria Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- The US Defense Department has condemned Turkey's military offensive in northern Syria, saying Washington is "greatly disappointed" by the Turkish incursion.
Turkish forces, allied militants facing stiff Kurdish resistance: Observatory Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish military forces and allied militants from the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) are facing stiff resistance by Kurds in northern Syria, says a monitoring group.
Turkish operation in Syria threatens to revive Daesh: Putin Press TV 11 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the Turkish military incursion into northeastern Syria could lead to the revival of the Daesh terrorist group in the region.
Terrorist Attacks in Syria Intensify Against Backdrop Of Turkish Offensive - Russian Military Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced earlier this week the launch of the offensive, dubbed Operation Peace Spring, in northeastern Syria, aiming to create a safe zone near the Syrian-Turkish border.
Spain to Withdraw Air Defence Systems From Turkey If War on Kurds Escalates - Reports Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- Spain plans to withdraw its Patriot Air and Missile Defence systems from the Turkish territory in case of the aggravation of the conflict with Kurds caused by Ankara's ongoing operation in Syria, media reported, citing diplomatic sources.
US Will 'Try Its Very Best' to Stop Turkish-Kurdish Clashes in Syria - State Department Official Sputnik 11 Oct 2019 -- On Thursday, US President Donald Trump noted that one of three possible choices the US has regarding Turkey's "Operation Peace Spring" in northern Syria would be to mediate a deal between Turkey and the Kurds.
Erdogan threatens EU with opening border to millions of refugees Press TV 10 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned the European Union that Ankara will allow millions of refugees to make their way toward Europe if the bloc keeps criticizing Turkey's military operation in northeast Syria.
US senators move to punish Turkey with 'sanctions from hell' over Syria offensive Press TV 10 Oct 2019 -- American senators are preparing a bill that would punish Turkey with "sanctions from hell" over its decision to mount an invasion against America's Kurdish allies in northern Syria.
Condemnations pour in as Turkey continues Syria military operation Press TV 10 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's military operation against Kurdish militants in northeast Syria has sparked a wave of condemnations from across the world, with the UN Security Council and Arab League set to hold emergency meetings.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Says Ankara Was Forced to Start Syria Op Due to US Arms Supplies to Kurds Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- The Turkish military kicked off its 'Operation Peace Spring' in northern Syria on Wednesday, saying the campaign was aimed at clearing the border area of Kurdish militants and Daesh (ISIS)* fighters and at establishing a security zone along Syria's border with Turkey.
Turkey Has Been Planning to Attack Kurds for a Long Time - Trump Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, the US president said he would like to see something "much tougher" than sanctions done against Turkey over its military operation in northern Syria, which began on Wednesday.
Majority of Swedish Parties Demand Halt to Arms Sales to Turkey Amid Military Operation in Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- Over the past five years, Sweden's arms exports to Turkey have risen more than ten-fold. ?Sweden has consistently ranked among the world's 30 biggest arms manufacturers.
Turkish Forces Have Seized 'Designated Targets' in Northeastern Syria - Defence Ministry Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey, against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, regarded as a terrorist organization by Turkey.
'Operation Peace Spring': Turkey Resumes Shelling YPG Positions in Tal Abyad, Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkey kicked off Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria against the Kurdish militia and Daesh fighters, claiming that the offensive was aimed at clearing the border area of terrorists and establishing a safe zone for a safe return of Syrian refugees.
Finland Halts Arms Exports to Turkey, Condemns Military Operation in Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- According to Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne, Turkey's actions have exacerbated the already-complicated humanitarian situation in Syria and could potentially spark a new refugee crisis.
Turkish Defence Ministry Outlines Reasons Behind Its 'Operation Peace Spring' in Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- The military offensive, dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring', was launched by Ankara earlier on Wednesday in a stated effort to clear a border zone of Daesh terrorists and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Erdogan Plays Refugee Card as Criticism Mounts Over Turkey's Kurdish Offensive VOA 10 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is threatening to "open the gates" to millions of refugees to enter Europe as criticism grows over Turkey's ongoing military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia.
Damascus vows to confront 'brutal' Turkish aggression by all legal means Press TV 10 Oct 2019 -- Syria has censured Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's latest remarks concerning his keenness to protect Syrian people and their rights as far from reality, emphasizing that the Damascus government will respond to Turkey's offensive into the northeastern part of the country through all available legal means.
Iran calls on Turkey to 'immediately' end offensive in northern Syria Press TV 10 Oct 2019 -- Iran has called on Turkey to "immediately" end its military operation in northeastern Syria and withdraw its forces from the Arab country's territory.
Heavy Fighting As Turkey Pushes Into Syria, Thousands Flee RFE/RL 10 Oct 2019 -- Turkey pressed on with its offensive in northeast Syria for a second day on October 10 as tens of thousands of people fled the conflict zone amid heavy fighting between Turkish ground troops and Kurdish-led forces along the border with Turkey.
Cavusoglu Accuses US of Supplying PKK/YPG 'Terrorist Organization' With 'Sophisticated' Weapons Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- The Foreign Minister commented on Turkey's military operation in northern Syria while speaking to reporters in Ankara.
Iran Demands Immediate Pullout of Turkish Forces From Syria - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkish troops launched 'Operation Peace Spring', an intervention in northern Syria which Ankara has said was aimed at clearing the Turkish-Syrian border area of terrorists and establishing a buffer zone between the two countries.
Civilians 'must not be a target', urges UNHCR, following military escalation in northern Syria UN News 10 Oct 2019 -- The scale-up in military operations in north-east Syria has forced tens of thousands of civilians to seek safety, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Thursday, one day after Turkey launched airstrikes and a ground offensive across the border.
De-escalation of Turkish military operation in northern Syria 'absolutely essential' UN News 10 Oct 2019 -- A de-escalation of renewed conflict in northern Syria is "absolutely essential," the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday. His comments follow the launch of airstrikes and a ground offensive by Turkey on Wednesday just days after the United States announced it would pull its troops out of Syria.
UN Security Council Meets on Turkey's Offensive Against Kurds VOA 10 Oct 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council met Thursday to discuss the military operation in northeastern Syria that Turkey says is a "measured and responsible" anti-terror operation, while the mainly Kurdish fighters in the region appealed for help to "save our people from genocide."
Humanitarian Concerns Mount as Turkish Incursion into Syria Widens VOA 10 Oct 2019 -- Humanitarian concerns are growing as Turkey's military incursion into northeastern Syria widens and desperate civilians flee on tractors, trucks and motorcycles, becoming the region's newest refugees. International and local aid agencies fear that hundreds of thousands of people could be at risk, as Turkey launches airstrikes and pursues a ground offensive to clear once-U.S.-backed Kurdish forces from the border area.
Analysts: Russia Goes Along with Turkey, But Has Red Lines VOA 10 Oct 2019 -- Russian leader Vladimir Putin appears to have endorsed Turkey's military incursion into northeast Syria, but is drawing some red lines of his own, including that the offensive doesn't lead to permanent occupation by the Turks of Syrian territory, say analysts.
Kurds Vow to Defend Themselves By Any Means as Turkish Incursion Into Syria Begins - SDC Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- Syria's Kurds are prepared to defend themselves by any means after Turkey launched a military operation in the northern part of the country, according to the Syrian Democratic Council's (SDC) US Representative and Member of Presidential Committee Bassam Saker.
Pompeo Says US Did Not Green Light Turkey to Invade Syria Sputnik 10 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday announced a military offensive against Kurdish groups within Syria following US President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to pull US troops out of the region.
Turkish unilateral military action in north east Syria: UK government statement UK FCO 09 Oct 2019 -- Following an incursion by the Turkish military in north east Syria today, the Foreign Secretary has issued a statement expressing concern.
Turkey adamant on Syria offensive as military takes position Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says there is no way it will back out of its plan to launch a military offensive in northern Syria regardless of the consequences, defying growing international calls to pull the plug on the imminent operation.
Trump Agrees on Need For Sanctions Against Turkey, Wants Something 'Tougher Than Sanctions' Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkey launched a military operation in Northern Syria against PKK/YPG and Daesh, claiming that the offensive is aimed at clearing the border area of terrorists and creating a security zone to accommodate Syrian refugees.
EU Calls on Turkey to Cease Military Operation in Syria Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- Following aerial and artillery attacks on military positions of the Kurdish militia on Wednesday, Turkish forces have launched another stage of their 'Peace Spring' operation by advancing into northern territories of the war-torn country.
Turkey Begins Move Against Kurds in Northern Syria VOA 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has begun a long-planned military operation in northeastern Syria to take out Kurdish forces branded by Ankara as terrorists, but viewed by much of the West as key partners in the fight against Islamic State.
Turkey launches military invasion into northeastern Syria against YPG forces Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's military forces and the Turkish-backed militants of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) have launched a long-threatened offensive in northeastern Syria against Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG) to push them away from border areas.
Turkey Launches Operation In Northeast Syria With Air Strikes RFE/RL 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has launched an offensive in northeast Syria, with warplanes bombing Kurdish positions and ground troops crossing the border in what U.S. President Donald Trump described as a "bad idea."
Turkey Launches Land Offensive in Northeastern Syria - Defence Ministry Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has kicked off its military operation against PKK/YPG and Daesh in Syria's north, dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring'.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Turkish 'Aggression' in Northeast Syria - SPA Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced earlier on Wednesday the start of Operation Peace Spring against PKK/YPG and the Daesh in Syria's north "to neutralize terror threats against Turkey and lead to the establishment of a safe zone".
Erdogan Announces Start of Military Operation in Syria Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin talked on the phone and agreed on the importance of ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and respect for its sovereignty.
US Senate Finalises Sanctions on Turkey for Attacking Syrian Kurds - Lawmaker Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- US Republican and Democratic lawmakers are finalising legislation that would impose economic sanctions on Turkey, which has begun a military invasion of northern Syria to clear a border region of US-allied Kurdish forces, Senator Chris Van Hollen said Wednesday.
Turkey Says It Will Inform All Relevant Countries and Syrian Government About Operation in NE Syria Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- In a column published Tuesday by The Washington Post, Erdogan's communications director, Fahrettin Altun said that Erdogan and US President Trump had agreed to "transfer the leadership of the counter-Daesh campaign" to Ankara, offering that Turkish forces "together with the Free Syrian Army, will cross the Turkish-Syrian border shortly".
Erdogan Aide Vows Turkish Offensive in Syria 'Shortly', Urges YPG Fighters to Defect Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed a military operation in northern Syria in the coming days, after Washington announced it would pull military assets out of the region.
Media Report: US Takes Custody of British-Born IS Fighters from Kurds in Syria VOA 09 Oct 2019 -- The United States has taken custody of two Islamic State prisoners accused of taking part in beheading American journalists in 2014, The Washington Post reports.
Trump Under Fire for Syria Troop Withdrawal VOA 09 Oct 2019 -- U.S. lawmakers of both political parties on Wednesday continued to savage President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northeastern Syria, where U.S.-allied Kurds are under attack from Turkey.
UN: Civilians at Risk in 'Safe Zone' Along Turkish-Syrian Border VOA 09 Oct 2019 -- Turkey Wednesday began a military operation in northern Syria against Kurdish fighters, days after the United States announced it was withdrawing troops from the area. The U.N. refugee agency earlier warned that a proposed safe zone along the Turkish-Syrian border would not protect civilians.
Trump Decision on Kurds Triggers Alarm in Arab World VOA 09 Oct 2019 -- As the Turkish military attacks Kurdish targets in northeastern Syria, observers in Arab countries are alarmed by what they see as the U.S. betrayal of the Kurds who are a staunch ally of the United States.
US says 'does not endorse' Turkish offensive, calls war on Syria 'a bad idea' Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- The United States says it "does not endorse" Turkey's war against Kurds in northern Syria, calling the military offensive "a bad idea."
Syrian Kurds 'positive' about dialogue with Damascus Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- Kurdish communities in northern Syria have welcomed an offer of dialogue with the Syrian government made by Russia amid Turkey's operation against Kurds in the region.
Russia calls for dialogue between Syrian government, Kurds Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- Russia has called for dialogue between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces controlling the country's northern region amid Washington's greenlight for Ankara's upcoming military operation against its Kurdish allies.
EU worries Turkey's Syria operation will trigger refugee wave Press TV 09 Oct 2019 -- The European Union has expressed concern about Turkey's plans to attack north Syria and to move millions of refugees into Syrian territory, warning that the military operation can provoke a new wave of refugees heading to Europe.
US Senators Suggest Prohibition on Weapon Sales to Turkey Over Syria Operation - Bill Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- The US Senate said earlier on Wednesday that it was finalizing a bipartisan bill that would impose tough sanctions on Ankara for launching a military offensive in Syria against "Kurdish partners".
Trump Calls Turkey's Operation in Syria a 'Bad Idea' Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- On Wednesday, Turkey launched a military operation aimed at ousting Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria and setting up a "safe zone" in the region to accommodate Syrian refugees there.
Daesh Suicide Bombers Attack Kurdish Military Positions in Raqqa, 'Clashes Still Ongoing' - SDF Sputnik 09 Oct 2019 -- According to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), at least three Daesh suicide bombers on Wednesday attacked its military positions in Syria's Raqqa.
Turkey Draws Up Special Forces On Syrian Border Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- While Turkey is making the final preparations for the military operation in northeast Syria, the redeployment of armed forces in this region continues to be carried out.
Turkey's Parliament Extends By One Year Permission to Use Troops in Syria, Iraq Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- This comes amid Turkey's announcement that it would launch a military operation on the border with Syria to oust Kurdish militants and establish a "safe zone" to accommodate millions of Syrian refugees in the area.
Turkey's New Internet Regulations Spark Fears of New Wave of Censorship VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- In Turkey, new controls regulating internet use have come into force. The government says all broadcasters, who are already restricted, need to abide by the same rules on the internet, but critics claim the new measures are an attempt to silence the last platform for independent journalism.
Turkish Military Proclaims Itself Ready to Move Against Kurds in Syria VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- Turkish military officials say their troops are ready to launch a long-planned incursion into Syria to take out Kurdish forces branded by Ankara as terrorists, but viewed by much of the West as key partners in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Trump Praises Kurds, Turkey as Confrontation Looms VOA 08 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Tuesday that he is not abandoning Kurdish forces in Syria, despite his orders to withdraw U.S. special forces from the Syrian-Turkish border region to make way for a Turkish incursion.
U.S. starts withdrawing from Syria-Turkey borderline amid anticipated Turkish campaign People's Daily 08 Oct 2019 -- The United States on Monday pulled out forces from observation points in northeastern Syria along the borderline with Turkey amid threats by Ankara to launch a military campaign against the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, a war monitor reported.
US president defends decision to allow Turkey to attack Syria Press TV 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to let Turkey attack Kurdish militants in Syria by withdrawing American forces from the north of the war-ravaged country.
Trump Vows to Stand By Kurds, Appeases Turkey Ahead of Ankara's Offensive in Syria Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Trump's praise for Turkey appears to contradict an earlier statement in which he threatened to "obliterate" Turkey's economy if Ankara did anything "off-limits" in regard to its incoming military operation in Syria.
US Senator McConnell Calls on Trump to Prevent Turkey-Kurd Conflict in Northern Syria Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump must work to deter any conflict between Turkey and Kurdish fighters in order to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday.
Turkish Defence Ministry Says Preparations For Military Operation in Syria Complete Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, Syrian media reported that Turkish jets had attacked a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) military base near the city of al-Malikiya in the Hasakah province.
Washington Says No Turkish Military Operation Launched in Syria - US Official Sputnik 08 Oct 2019 -- Syrian media reported earlier on Monday that Turkish jets had pounded an alleged military base of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near the city of al-Malikiya in Syria's Hasakah province. At least two bridges were reportedly destroyed at the Samalka checkpoint.
Serbia, Turkey Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement - President Vucic Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Serbia and Turkey have signed an agreement on defence cooperation and expressed interest in the joint production of weapons and military equipment, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday after meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Trump Defends Troop Withdrawal from Syria, but Sends Stern Warning VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump sent out a stern but conflicting warning Monday saying that U.S. troops would step aside for an expected Turkish attack on the Kurds, but he threatened to destroy the Turkish economy if they went too far.
Trump Defends Decision to Pull US Troops from Northern Syria VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is defending his decision to pull U.S. forces from northern Syria, amid criticism that the move would harm put U.S. ally the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in harm's way and negatively impact the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Statement Attributable to Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Mr. Jonathan Hoffman DoD 07 Oct 2019 -- The Department of Defense made clear to Turkey - as did the President - that we do not endorse a Turkish operation in Northern Syria. The U.S. Armed Forces will not support, or be involved in any such operation.
US Forces Will Not Support Turkey's Operation in Northern Syria, White House Says Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- The announcement came shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara would kick off a military air and ground operation east of the Euphrates river in Syria in the coming days.
Turkey assures Iran its operation in northern Syria is 'temporary' Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's foreign minister has assured his Iranian counterpart that Ankara's military operation in northern Syria, which began on Monday night, is a temporary one.
Turkish forces neutralize two 'wanted' PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, eastern Turkey Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkish forces have killed two high-ranking members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group during separate counter-terrorism operations, supported by fighter jets, in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and the country's eastern province of Tunceli.
Turkish Foreign Minister Says Actions in Northern Syria 'Temporary Measure' Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's actions in northeastern Syria are a temporary measure, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in phone talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
Trump's Decision to Withdraw from Syria Is Triumph for Erdogan VOA 07 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump's announcement of a U.S. withdrawal from northern Syria, paving the way for a Turkish military operation against a Kurdish militia in the area, is widely being seen as a diplomatic triumph for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
If Turkey acts 'off limits,' Trump says will 'obliterate' its economy Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to "obliterate" Turkey's economy if Ankara does anything that he considers to be "off limits" in Syria.
Trump abandons US-backed Syria Kurdish militants, says 'too costly' to back them Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump, doubling down on his decision to pull out American troops from northern Syria, has withdrawn Washington's "costly" support from long-time Kurdish allies purportedly fighting Takfiri Daesh terrorists in the region.
US gives green light to Turkey to launch military operation in north Syria Press TV 07 Oct 2019 -- The United States has given the green light to Turkey to launch a military operation against Washington's long-time Kurdish allies in northern Syria.
Trump Warns Erdogan As U.S. Redeploys Troops Away From Turkey's Border In Northeastern Syria RFE/RL 07 Oct 2019 -- The redeployment of 50-100 U.S. soldiers away from Syria's northern border where Turkish troops threaten to invade doesn't constitute a withdrawal from Syria, a senior U.S. administration official said on October 7 during a conference call with journalists.
Trump Warns Ankara Not to Hurt US Personnel Located in Area Close to Turkish Operation in Syria Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, the al-Ikhbariya broadcaster reported that Turkish jets had attacked the headquarters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Hasakah province.
Kurds in Syria Ready to Negotiate With Damascus as Turkish Operation Looming – Official Sputnik 07 Oct 2019 -- Kurds in northeast Syria are ready to work on an agreement with Damascus in order to protect themselves as the Turkish operation in the area is looming and the United States has abandoned its support, a top official of the de-facto autonomous administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stated.
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 06 Oct 2019
Turkey 'increases' forces along Syria border ahead of potential incursion Press TV 06 Oct 2019 -- Turkey has reportedly reinforced army units at its border with northern Syria ahead of a cross-border incursion against US-sponsored and Kurdish-led militants operating in the region.
Turkey sends military reinforcement to its border with Syria: Anadolu Press TV 06 Oct 2019 -- Nine trucks loaded with armored vehicles and one bus carrying military personnel had been sent to the border district of Akcakale, located in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa, Turkey's state-owned Anadolu Agency said late on Saturday (October 5).
Turkey to Carry Out Military Air and Ground Op in Syria, East of the Euphrates - Erdogan Sputnik 05 Oct 2019 -- Ankara previously vowed to establish a safe zone in Syria in order to conduct operations against Kurdish militants, which Turkish authorities consider to be terrorists.
US Increasingly Worried Turkey Will Conduct Major Offensive in Syria - Reports Sputnik 05 Oct 2019 -- The United States is worried that Turkey will carry out a major offensive against Kurdish militia in Syria, media reported on Friday.
U.S.-Backed Syrian Opposition Force Warns Of 'All-Out War' As Turkey Threatens Attacks RFE/RL 05 Oct 2019 -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have warned of "all-out war" against Turkey if Ankara carries out its threat to launch air strikes and a ground attack against them in northeastern Syria.
US Increasingly Worried Turkey Will Conduct Major Offensive in Syria - Reports Sputnik 05 Oct 2019 -- The United States is worried that Turkey will carry out a major offensive against Kurdish militia in Syria, media reported on Friday.
Cyprus Slams Turkish Drill Ship Operating Near Borders as 'Flagrant Violation' of Its Sovereignty Sputnik 04 Oct 2019 -- Ankara previously stated that Turkish vessels would continue carrying out hydrocarbons exploration in the Cyprus exclusive economic zone despite concerns, voiced by the EU.
FM Cavusoglu casts doubt on joint plan with US in Syria Press TV 03 Oct 2019 -- Turkey says it has doubts whether joints efforts with the United States to form a so-called safe zone in northeast Syria will ever produce the expected results.
Turkey's patience with US over safe zone in northern Syria running out: Erdogan Press TV 01 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey's patience with the United States over the creation of a so-called safe zone in the northeastern part of Syria by the end of the current month is running out, indicating that Ankara would launch an imminent cross-border offensive to push back militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from border areas.
Erdogan Pressures Saudi Crown Prince on Journalist Murder Anniversary VOA 01 Oct 2019 -- With the first anniversary of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul approaching, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pledging to "continue to shed light" on the killing.

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October 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News