WAR TURKEY'S ERDOGAN INVADES NORTHERN SYRIA PART TWO 4-8-2018
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TheSearcher
Are you sure about that?
LOL!!!!!
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Turkey says it may attack Kurdish rebel stronghold in Iraq
http://www.tampabay.com/turkey-says...iraq-ap_world194ebb4ff5234d0f8e9372deb686cf06 (fair use)
Published: June 4, 2018
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey has threatened to attack Iraq's Qandil region, where outlawed Kurdish rebels maintain their headquarters.
Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told reporters Monday that militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, frequently carry out attacks against Turkey from bases in the Qandil mountains and elsewhere in Iraq.
Bozdag said "everyone knows that Qandil is a center for terror. Turkey could enter Qandil, everything is possible at any time."
Turkey has in the past carried out cross-border ground operations into northern Iraq to chase PKK militants, and it conducts frequent air raids on suspected militant camps there.
The PKK launched a Kurdish insurgency in southeastern Turkey in 1984 that has led to tens of thousands of deaths.
The group is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its allies.
http://www.tampabay.com/turkey-says...iraq-ap_world194ebb4ff5234d0f8e9372deb686cf06 (fair use)
Published: June 4, 2018
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey has threatened to attack Iraq's Qandil region, where outlawed Kurdish rebels maintain their headquarters.
Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told reporters Monday that militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, frequently carry out attacks against Turkey from bases in the Qandil mountains and elsewhere in Iraq.
Bozdag said "everyone knows that Qandil is a center for terror. Turkey could enter Qandil, everything is possible at any time."
Turkey has in the past carried out cross-border ground operations into northern Iraq to chase PKK militants, and it conducts frequent air raids on suspected militant camps there.
The PKK launched a Kurdish insurgency in southeastern Turkey in 1984 that has led to tens of thousands of deaths.
The group is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its allies.
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Turkish Soldiers Released from Greek Police Custody
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2018/06/04/turkish-soldiers-released-from-greek-police-custody/ (fair use)
By John Smith - Jun 4, 2018
The case of the eight Turkish ex-military personnel seeking asylum in Greece took another turn on Monday as four remaining suspects from the group were released from police custody.
The men had been in detention for 18 months, the maximum period allowed by law while they applied for asylum.
All the men will now live in secret locations, guarded by Greek police.
In late May, the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, granted irrevocable asylum to one of the men who sought refuge after the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.
Despite objections from the Greek government that had appealed the Council of State decision, the Turkish serviceman was released from detention.
The Greek court decision angered Ankara, which has been demanding the extradition of the eight soldiers since the day they landed in Greece in a Turkish military helicopter.
Turkey insists that the eight servicemen were actively involved in the effort to overthrow the democratically elected Ankara government.
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2018/06/04/turkish-soldiers-released-from-greek-police-custody/ (fair use)
By John Smith - Jun 4, 2018
The case of the eight Turkish ex-military personnel seeking asylum in Greece took another turn on Monday as four remaining suspects from the group were released from police custody.
The men had been in detention for 18 months, the maximum period allowed by law while they applied for asylum.
All the men will now live in secret locations, guarded by Greek police.
In late May, the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, granted irrevocable asylum to one of the men who sought refuge after the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.
Despite objections from the Greek government that had appealed the Council of State decision, the Turkish serviceman was released from detention.
The Greek court decision angered Ankara, which has been demanding the extradition of the eight soldiers since the day they landed in Greece in a Turkish military helicopter.
Turkey insists that the eight servicemen were actively involved in the effort to overthrow the democratically elected Ankara government.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
YPG confirms withdrawal from Syria's Manbij after Turkey-US deal
The move, long sought by Turkey, comes after top diplomats discussed the armed group's Syrian presence in Washington DC.The Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said its military advisers would leave the town of Manbij a day after Turkey and the United Statessaid they reached an agreement on the armed group's withdrawal.In a statement on Tuesday, the YPG said its fighters withdrew from Manbij in November 2016, but military advisers had remained to work with the Manbij Military Council.
"We affirm that our forces will heed the call when necessary to offer support and help to the people of Manbij should it be needed," the statement said.
Turkey was infuriated by US support for the Kurdish fighters and threatened to push its offensive in the Afrin region of northern Syria further east to Manbij, risking a confrontation with American troops stationed there.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who discussed Manbij with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, said YPG personnel withdrawing from Manbij would be disarmed.
At Cavusoglu's talks with Pompeo in Washington, DC, the NATO allies agreed on a "roadmap" for Manbij, without spelling out explicitly what steps they would take.
Speaking in Turkey's southern province of Antalya on Tuesday, Cavusoglu said joint work on the plan would begin in 10 days and be complete in six months. He said the model should also be applied to Syria's Raqqa, Kobane, and other areas controlled by YPG.
"In the first phase, terrorist YPG will withdraw from Manbij. They will disarm as they withdraw. They will move to the east of the Euphrates. However, that does not mean we will accept that they stay there," Cavusoglu said.
Turkey and the US will jointly provide security in Manbij, he added.Manbij is a potential flashpoint in Syria's seven-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.
The Syrian government, Kurdish fighters, Syrian rebel groups, Turkey, and the US all have a military presence in the north of the country.
YPG's pullout, long sought by Turkey, comes at a time of strained bilateral ties over wider Syria policy, as well as Washington's decision in December to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
Rocky relations also include the sentencing in New York in May of a former Turkish state bank executive to 32 months in prison for taking part in an Iran sanctions-busting scheme, a case Turkey called a political attack.
Turkey has also caused unease in Washington with its decision to buy S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia and drew criticism over its detention of a US Christian pastor, Andrew Brunson, on "terrorism" charges. The American has denied any wrongdoing. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/...142952090.html
The move, long sought by Turkey, comes after top diplomats discussed the armed group's Syrian presence in Washington DC.The Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said its military advisers would leave the town of Manbij a day after Turkey and the United Statessaid they reached an agreement on the armed group's withdrawal.In a statement on Tuesday, the YPG said its fighters withdrew from Manbij in November 2016, but military advisers had remained to work with the Manbij Military Council.
"We affirm that our forces will heed the call when necessary to offer support and help to the people of Manbij should it be needed," the statement said.
Turkey was infuriated by US support for the Kurdish fighters and threatened to push its offensive in the Afrin region of northern Syria further east to Manbij, risking a confrontation with American troops stationed there.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who discussed Manbij with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, said YPG personnel withdrawing from Manbij would be disarmed.
At Cavusoglu's talks with Pompeo in Washington, DC, the NATO allies agreed on a "roadmap" for Manbij, without spelling out explicitly what steps they would take.
Speaking in Turkey's southern province of Antalya on Tuesday, Cavusoglu said joint work on the plan would begin in 10 days and be complete in six months. He said the model should also be applied to Syria's Raqqa, Kobane, and other areas controlled by YPG.
"In the first phase, terrorist YPG will withdraw from Manbij. They will disarm as they withdraw. They will move to the east of the Euphrates. However, that does not mean we will accept that they stay there," Cavusoglu said.
Turkey and the US will jointly provide security in Manbij, he added.Manbij is a potential flashpoint in Syria's seven-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.
The Syrian government, Kurdish fighters, Syrian rebel groups, Turkey, and the US all have a military presence in the north of the country.
YPG's pullout, long sought by Turkey, comes at a time of strained bilateral ties over wider Syria policy, as well as Washington's decision in December to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
Rocky relations also include the sentencing in New York in May of a former Turkish state bank executive to 32 months in prison for taking part in an Iran sanctions-busting scheme, a case Turkey called a political attack.
Turkey has also caused unease in Washington with its decision to buy S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia and drew criticism over its detention of a US Christian pastor, Andrew Brunson, on "terrorism" charges. The American has denied any wrongdoing. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/...142952090.html
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Aleppo: US Setting UP Military Base in Manbij City
TEHRAN (FNA)- The US military troops are setting up a new base in Manbij as Washington and Ankara declared agreement on the Northeastern Aleppo city, local sources said.
The US forces have sent massive amount of military equipment to Manbij city over the past three years, the sources disclosed.
They pointed to the deployment of military equipment in areas near al-Matahen water mill near the Southern entrance of the city, and said that the US troops are intending to build a new military base in this region.
They also said that the US forces have started construction of a wall around the military base.
Meantime, it was reported last Sunday that a US military convoy comprising tens of armored vehicles, armed personnel carrier and large amount of weaponry has been sent to Aoun al-Dadat in the Northern parts of Manbij city.
The establishment of the new US military base is taking place after the US and Turkey said they have reached an agreement on a roadmap for the Syrian city.
In a relevant development in late May, the militants supported by the Turkish army and the US-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters engaged in clashes in Northern Manbij in Northern Syria on Thursday.
The Kurdish-language Hawar news quoted Manbij military council as reporting that the offensive launched by militants backed by Ankara against the Kurdish positions was repelled after clashes between the two sides.
It added that the Turkey-backed militants attacked the village of al-Mahsanli in Northwestern Manbij with mortar fire, killing and wounding several civilians.
The attacks were launched only a few hours after the Kurds dismissed reports on the US-Turkey agreement on Manbij and withdrawal of the Kurdish forces from the region. http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970316000398
TEHRAN (FNA)- The US military troops are setting up a new base in Manbij as Washington and Ankara declared agreement on the Northeastern Aleppo city, local sources said.
The US forces have sent massive amount of military equipment to Manbij city over the past three years, the sources disclosed.
They pointed to the deployment of military equipment in areas near al-Matahen water mill near the Southern entrance of the city, and said that the US troops are intending to build a new military base in this region.
They also said that the US forces have started construction of a wall around the military base.
Meantime, it was reported last Sunday that a US military convoy comprising tens of armored vehicles, armed personnel carrier and large amount of weaponry has been sent to Aoun al-Dadat in the Northern parts of Manbij city.
The establishment of the new US military base is taking place after the US and Turkey said they have reached an agreement on a roadmap for the Syrian city.
In a relevant development in late May, the militants supported by the Turkish army and the US-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters engaged in clashes in Northern Manbij in Northern Syria on Thursday.
The Kurdish-language Hawar news quoted Manbij military council as reporting that the offensive launched by militants backed by Ankara against the Kurdish positions was repelled after clashes between the two sides.
It added that the Turkey-backed militants attacked the village of al-Mahsanli in Northwestern Manbij with mortar fire, killing and wounding several civilians.
The attacks were launched only a few hours after the Kurds dismissed reports on the US-Turkey agreement on Manbij and withdrawal of the Kurdish forces from the region. http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970316000398
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Syria’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Are Red Lines
Jun 6th, 2018 by SANA (official news agency)
Ayman Sosan said that uninvited foreign forces were part of an illegal occupation that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law reports SANA Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sosan said on Tuesday that sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of Syria are red lines.
Meeting a delegation from the European Parliament, that is currently visiting Syria, Sosana added that any foreign presence without the consent of the Syrian state is illegal and everything that results from it is void because it is an occupation and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.
He said that the achievements of the Syrian Arab Army in combating Takfiri terrorism are a victory for humanity.
In turn, members of the delegation expressed their support for Syria in the confronting of terrorism.
They slammed the EU polices towards Syria and affirmed that they will convey the true image of what is happening in Syria for the western public opinion.
The development of the situation in Syria was also discussed during the meeting.
The delegation was headed by President of the Alliance for Peace and Freedom (APF) Roberto Fiore and included a number of European parliamentarians and politicians from Belgium, Croatia and Slovakia. http://syrianobserver.com/EN/News/34328/Syria_Sovereignty_Territorial_Integrity_Are_Red_Lines
Jun 6th, 2018 by SANA (official news agency)
Ayman Sosan said that uninvited foreign forces were part of an illegal occupation that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law reports SANA Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sosan said on Tuesday that sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of Syria are red lines.
Meeting a delegation from the European Parliament, that is currently visiting Syria, Sosana added that any foreign presence without the consent of the Syrian state is illegal and everything that results from it is void because it is an occupation and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.
He said that the achievements of the Syrian Arab Army in combating Takfiri terrorism are a victory for humanity.
In turn, members of the delegation expressed their support for Syria in the confronting of terrorism.
They slammed the EU polices towards Syria and affirmed that they will convey the true image of what is happening in Syria for the western public opinion.
The development of the situation in Syria was also discussed during the meeting.
The delegation was headed by President of the Alliance for Peace and Freedom (APF) Roberto Fiore and included a number of European parliamentarians and politicians from Belgium, Croatia and Slovakia. http://syrianobserver.com/EN/News/34328/Syria_Sovereignty_Territorial_Integrity_Are_Red_Lines
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Syria opens Homs-Hama highway after near 7-year closure due to war
Reuters|Published: 06.06.18 , 16:11
The Syrian government re-opened the highway between the cities of Homs and Hama on Wednesday a month after its forces retook a rebel-held pocket that had straddled the road that was closed for almost seven years.
Motorists waved Syrian flags as they drove down the highway whose re-opening marked a victory for President Bashar al-Assad, who in recent months has taken control of all rebel-held pockets around the capital Damascus as well as the enclave along the highway which had been under siege for years.
From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad, with Russian and Iranian help, has recovered control of the largest chunk of the country. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5280173,00.html
Reuters|Published: 06.06.18 , 16:11
The Syrian government re-opened the highway between the cities of Homs and Hama on Wednesday a month after its forces retook a rebel-held pocket that had straddled the road that was closed for almost seven years.
Motorists waved Syrian flags as they drove down the highway whose re-opening marked a victory for President Bashar al-Assad, who in recent months has taken control of all rebel-held pockets around the capital Damascus as well as the enclave along the highway which had been under siege for years.
From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad, with Russian and Iranian help, has recovered control of the largest chunk of the country. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5280173,00.html
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkey will drain 'terror swamp' in Iraq's Qandil, Erdogan says
Reuters|Published: 06.11.18 , 15:03
Turkey will drain the "terror swamp" in northern Iraq's Qandil region, just as it cleansed Syria's Afrin and other regions of Kurdish fighters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
Turkey will continue to carry out operations on Kurdish militants camps in the Qandil mountains, Erdogan said at a rally, after the Turkish army said over the weekend it hit 14 targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5284490,00.html
Reuters|Published: 06.11.18 , 15:03
Turkey will drain the "terror swamp" in northern Iraq's Qandil region, just as it cleansed Syria's Afrin and other regions of Kurdish fighters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
Turkey will continue to carry out operations on Kurdish militants camps in the Qandil mountains, Erdogan said at a rally, after the Turkish army said over the weekend it hit 14 targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5284490,00.html
northern watch
TB Fanatic
Turkey's president says jets have struck rebel bases in Iraq
By The Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey — June 11, 2018, 9:01 AM ET
Turkey's president says Turkish jets have struck Iraq's Qandil mountains, where outlawed Kurdish rebels maintain their headquarters.
Speaking at an election rally Monday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said some 20 warplanes had hit Qandil, destroying 14 "important targets" of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. He did not say when the strikes took place but said such operations would continue.
Erdogan said: "Our aim is to drain the biggest of terrorist swamps. We are preventing Qandil from becoming a threat and a source of terror."
Turkey conducts frequent air raids on suspected militant camps in northern Iraq. Officials have said that Turkish soldiers stationed in northern Iraq could attack the rebel stronghold.
The PKK has waged a three-decade-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people.
https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...esident-jets-struck-rebel-bases-iraq-55804205
By The Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey — June 11, 2018, 9:01 AM ET
Turkey's president says Turkish jets have struck Iraq's Qandil mountains, where outlawed Kurdish rebels maintain their headquarters.
Speaking at an election rally Monday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said some 20 warplanes had hit Qandil, destroying 14 "important targets" of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. He did not say when the strikes took place but said such operations would continue.
Erdogan said: "Our aim is to drain the biggest of terrorist swamps. We are preventing Qandil from becoming a threat and a source of terror."
Turkey conducts frequent air raids on suspected militant camps in northern Iraq. Officials have said that Turkish soldiers stationed in northern Iraq could attack the rebel stronghold.
The PKK has waged a three-decade-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people.
https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...esident-jets-struck-rebel-bases-iraq-55804205
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Turkey: Even birds need our consent to fly in the Aegean
http://www.ekathimerini.com/229670/...n-birds-need-our-consent-to-fly-in-the-aegean (fair use)
NEWS 14.06.2018 : 22:44
With Greece featuring prominently in Turkey’s election campaigning, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu raised the tension a notch again Thursday, warning that not even a bird will fly over the Aegean without Ankara’s permission.
Responding to criticism by Turkish ultra-nationalists that 18 islands have been “lost” to Greece in recent years, Cavusoglu said that since the crisis over the Imia islets in 1996 there have been no changes in the legal status of the Aegean.
“Not only during our own rule, but before that there has been no change in the status of the Aegean. We will not allow this. Even in the case of research we will not give permission, not even to a bird in the Aegean,” he said during an interview with a Turkish radio station.
He went on to say that Turkey will make no concessions in the Aegean and Cyprus, and that Ankara will also begin gas exploration “around” the Eastern Mediterranean island. “We also have a drill,” he said.
Turkey has vowed to stop Cyprus from drilling for gas and oil in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), insisting there can be no development of the island’s natural resources without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the island’s Turkish-occupied north.
“In the last few months we have prevented drilling and we drove the Italians away. We will not allow anyone to take away the rights of Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
Cyprus government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said that Nicosia will not be dragged into the “climate of tension” that Turkey is cultivating. He cited international law and said that Cyprus has an established EEZ. Moreover, he said the US, Russia and the European Union have all backed Cyprus’s rights.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/229670/...n-birds-need-our-consent-to-fly-in-the-aegean (fair use)
NEWS 14.06.2018 : 22:44
With Greece featuring prominently in Turkey’s election campaigning, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu raised the tension a notch again Thursday, warning that not even a bird will fly over the Aegean without Ankara’s permission.
Responding to criticism by Turkish ultra-nationalists that 18 islands have been “lost” to Greece in recent years, Cavusoglu said that since the crisis over the Imia islets in 1996 there have been no changes in the legal status of the Aegean.
“Not only during our own rule, but before that there has been no change in the status of the Aegean. We will not allow this. Even in the case of research we will not give permission, not even to a bird in the Aegean,” he said during an interview with a Turkish radio station.
He went on to say that Turkey will make no concessions in the Aegean and Cyprus, and that Ankara will also begin gas exploration “around” the Eastern Mediterranean island. “We also have a drill,” he said.
Turkey has vowed to stop Cyprus from drilling for gas and oil in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), insisting there can be no development of the island’s natural resources without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the island’s Turkish-occupied north.
“In the last few months we have prevented drilling and we drove the Italians away. We will not allow anyone to take away the rights of Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
Cyprus government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said that Nicosia will not be dragged into the “climate of tension” that Turkey is cultivating. He cited international law and said that Cyprus has an established EEZ. Moreover, he said the US, Russia and the European Union have all backed Cyprus’s rights.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkish military says destroys 12 targets in northern Iraq
Reuters|Published: 06.12.18 , 11:22
The Turkish military destroyed 12 targets in northern Iraq belonging to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in overnight air strikes, it said on Tuesday, as the army steps up operations against militant targets in the Qandil region.
The targets, in northern Iraq's Qandil, Hakurk and Avasin-Basyan regions, included shelters and ammunition depots, it said. Turkey's army has recently ramped up strikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, which has bases in the Qandil mountains.
The army also said that 34 militants had been "neutralized" in operations in northern Iraq between June 1 and June 8. The military uses the term "neutralised" to refer to operations in which opposition forces have been killed, wounded or captured.
President Tayyip Erdogan, who faces presidential elections on June 24, on Monday said Turkey would drain the "terror swamp" in Qandil. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5285257,00.html
Reuters|Published: 06.12.18 , 11:22
The Turkish military destroyed 12 targets in northern Iraq belonging to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in overnight air strikes, it said on Tuesday, as the army steps up operations against militant targets in the Qandil region.
The targets, in northern Iraq's Qandil, Hakurk and Avasin-Basyan regions, included shelters and ammunition depots, it said. Turkey's army has recently ramped up strikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, which has bases in the Qandil mountains.
The army also said that 34 militants had been "neutralized" in operations in northern Iraq between June 1 and June 8. The military uses the term "neutralised" to refer to operations in which opposition forces have been killed, wounded or captured.
President Tayyip Erdogan, who faces presidential elections on June 24, on Monday said Turkey would drain the "terror swamp" in Qandil. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5285257,00.html
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkish forces begin patrols in Syria's Manbij
The Turkish army has said its forces have began patrols along the outskirts of the northern Syrian city of Manbij, in cooperation with US soldiers in the area.
The announcement on Monday came after Turkish and US military officials agreed earlier this month to a roadmap for the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters considered "terrorists" by Ankara from the city.
The Turkish army announced on Monday the launch of the operation between Manbij and an area it controls after one of its two cross-border military campaigns along with Syrian rebels in the past two years."As per the Manbij Roadmap and Safety Principles previously agreed upon, independent patrol activities by soldiers of Turkish Armed Forces and US Armed Forces have begun on the line between (the Turkish-controlled) area and Manbij," Turkey's armed forces said on Twitter.
Addressing supporters in an election rally in the Black Sea province of Samsun, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "We had told that terror organisations will leave Manbij.
"We had also talked about patrol missions in Manbij," he added, ahead of the country's key presidential and parliamentary polls on Sunday.
Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said the patrol operations took place near the Sajour River area.
"According to Ankara, 190 Turkish troops are deployed there," Koseoglu said. "More troops will be deployed by July 5 to the Manbij area, for joint patrolling operations."US-Turkey roadmap
Manbij was formerly controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group before being seized by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2016, a US-backed umbrella group dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
However, Turkey considers the YPG to have ties to the outlawed Kudistan Workers' Party (PKK) - Ankara views both as "terrorist" organisations.
Turkey was infuriated by US support for the Kurdish fighters and threatened to push its offensive in the Afrin region of northern Syria further east to Manbij, risking a confrontation with American troops stationed there.
The issue of Manbij had become a major flashpoint between the two NATO allies.
But on June 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo endorsed a roadmap for the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from Manbij and agreed to jointly secure the city.
A day later, the YPG, which controls large areas in northern Syria on the borders with Turkey, announced that it had withdrawn its military advisers from Manbij.
"Turkey says it receives security threats from its southern border mainly by the YPG and PKK," Koseoglu said. "It wants to clear its borders from these threats."
She added: "Turkey insists that Manbij is an Arab-dominated city and should be stabilised and given back to its real owners."
The Turkish foreign minister also said that Turkish troops would also make their way to Manbij's city centre.
"We said we would act together with the US plans were made," the Daily Sabah reported Cavusoglu as saying. "[Turkish soldiers] will also enter Manbij, which will be cleared from terrorists in a short period of time."
"Our stage goal is to stabilise the areas under the YPG control," he said. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/turkish-forces-patrols-syria-manbij-180618135536167.html
The Turkish army has said its forces have began patrols along the outskirts of the northern Syrian city of Manbij, in cooperation with US soldiers in the area.
The announcement on Monday came after Turkish and US military officials agreed earlier this month to a roadmap for the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters considered "terrorists" by Ankara from the city.
The Turkish army announced on Monday the launch of the operation between Manbij and an area it controls after one of its two cross-border military campaigns along with Syrian rebels in the past two years."As per the Manbij Roadmap and Safety Principles previously agreed upon, independent patrol activities by soldiers of Turkish Armed Forces and US Armed Forces have begun on the line between (the Turkish-controlled) area and Manbij," Turkey's armed forces said on Twitter.
Addressing supporters in an election rally in the Black Sea province of Samsun, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "We had told that terror organisations will leave Manbij.
"We had also talked about patrol missions in Manbij," he added, ahead of the country's key presidential and parliamentary polls on Sunday.
Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said the patrol operations took place near the Sajour River area.
"According to Ankara, 190 Turkish troops are deployed there," Koseoglu said. "More troops will be deployed by July 5 to the Manbij area, for joint patrolling operations."US-Turkey roadmap
Manbij was formerly controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group before being seized by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2016, a US-backed umbrella group dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
However, Turkey considers the YPG to have ties to the outlawed Kudistan Workers' Party (PKK) - Ankara views both as "terrorist" organisations.
Turkey was infuriated by US support for the Kurdish fighters and threatened to push its offensive in the Afrin region of northern Syria further east to Manbij, risking a confrontation with American troops stationed there.
The issue of Manbij had become a major flashpoint between the two NATO allies.
But on June 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo endorsed a roadmap for the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from Manbij and agreed to jointly secure the city.
A day later, the YPG, which controls large areas in northern Syria on the borders with Turkey, announced that it had withdrawn its military advisers from Manbij.
"Turkey says it receives security threats from its southern border mainly by the YPG and PKK," Koseoglu said. "It wants to clear its borders from these threats."
She added: "Turkey insists that Manbij is an Arab-dominated city and should be stabilised and given back to its real owners."
The Turkish foreign minister also said that Turkish troops would also make their way to Manbij's city centre.
"We said we would act together with the US plans were made," the Daily Sabah reported Cavusoglu as saying. "[Turkish soldiers] will also enter Manbij, which will be cleared from terrorists in a short period of time."
"Our stage goal is to stabilise the areas under the YPG control," he said. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/turkish-forces-patrols-syria-manbij-180618135536167.html
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkey's Erdogan seeks new term with greater powers
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Since he took office in 2003, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given a name to each stage in his consolidation of power in Turkey. First he called himself the apprentice; then the journeyman; and latterly the master. Now, he says a new five-year term would elevate him to the role of "grandmaster" and help him make Turkey one of the world's top powers by the time the republic marks its centenary in 2023.
The most powerful and polarizing leader in Turkish history, Erdogan, 64, is standing for re-election in a presidential vote on Sunday that could cement Turkey's switch from a parliamentary to a presidential system, which was narrowly approved in a referendum last year. He would take an office with vastly expanded powers, in a system that critics have compared to one-man rule. His opponents have promised a return to a parliamentary system with a distinct separation of powers.
Opinion polls have put Erdogan several points ahead of his closest competitor in the presidential race. However, he would need to win more than 50 percent of the votes for an outright first-round victory and that looks less likely. Analysts say the outcome could be decided in a second round runoff on July 8.
Erdogan, who has never lost an election, is this time around facing more robust opposition figures and parties cooperating with each other in an anti-Erdogan alliance. For the first time ever, Turkey will elect a new parliament at the same time, but his Justice and Development party's election campaign has appeared a little flat and uninspired, focusing on past achievements and making odd campaign promises such as the creation of neighborhood "reading houses" offering free tea and cakes. Analysts even speak of the possibility of Justice and Development losing its majority in Parliament.
"(Erdogan) remains by far the most popular politician in Turkey," said Sinan Ulgen of the Istanbul-based EDAM think tank. "He is still the one that is the most likely to be elected, but it is not a foregone conclusion."
Erdogan called the presidential and parliamentary elections more than a year earlier than scheduled amid signs that the Turkish economy may be heading toward a downturn. Despite strong growth figures, inflation and unemployment have hit double-digit figures while the lira has lost some 20 percent of its value against the dollar since the start of the year.
Additionally, the polls are being held as nationalist sentiment is high following a Turkish military operation into a Syrian border enclave earlier this year that drove away Syrian Kurdish fighters that Turkey brands as terrorists. Turkey has recently intensified air raids on a suspected Kurdish rebel stronghold in northern Iraq, a move that could further rally votes for Erdogan.
The most powerful leader since the Turkish republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Erdogan remains popular in Turkey's conservative and pious heartland. Many see in him a strong leader who stands up to the West, who brought stability, oversaw an infrastructure boom, who improved health care and relaxed strict secular laws, for instance allowing women to wear Islamic headscarves in schools and government offices.
His critics say Erdogan, in pursuit of power, is turning the NATO country that once hoped to join the European Union into an increasingly authoritarian state. They accuse him of curtailing democracy and freedom of speech by jailing opponents, including students, journalists and activists, especially following a failed military coup in 2016. A state of emergency declared after the coup attempt has led to the arrests of some 50,000 and seen more than 110,000 dismissed from government jobs.
Addressing crowds in an election rally in the city of Kahramanmaras on Thursday, Erdogan vowed to work harder to meet Turkey's goals for 2023 and beyond.
"You know very well the level we (the AKP) have brought Turkey up to in the last 16 years. With God's permission we were able to serve you," Erdogan said. "In the coming five years you will see an Erdogan who scurries and buzzes about even harder to serve his people and country."
Erdogan's adviser Ilnur Cevik, in an interview with The Associated Press, rejected accusations that Erdogan is in pursuit of greater powers.
"Erdogan is the man to deliver," Cevik said. "Erdogan does not have absolute power — he has the affection of the people."
The allied opposition — which includes the center-left and pro-secular Republican Peoples' Party, the center-right Good Party and the small Islamic Felicity Party — has vowed to roll back Erdogan's presidential system and to improve relations with allies and the European Union. Also challenging Erdogan is the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party, whose charismatic leader is running for president from jail.
Erdogan's AKP has formed an alliance with the far-right Nationalist Movement Party. Already in control of a majority of Turkey's media, Erdogan's government has changed electoral rules, raising fears that the elections may not be fair. The changes allow government officials to control polling stations, for polling places to be moved to new locations on security grounds and for ballot papers lacking an official stamp to be counted as valid.
Ismail Buyukcakar, who played soccer alongside Erdogan in the early 1970s in Istanbul's Camialti team, recalls a young man who had leadership qualities and oozed confidence.
"He is a good fortune for Turkey. We need to take advantage of this good fortune," Buyukcakar said. "In my opinion, Turkey needs our president for another 20 years."https://www.yahoo.com/news/turkeys-erdogan-seeks-term-greater-powers-082436562.html
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Since he took office in 2003, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given a name to each stage in his consolidation of power in Turkey. First he called himself the apprentice; then the journeyman; and latterly the master. Now, he says a new five-year term would elevate him to the role of "grandmaster" and help him make Turkey one of the world's top powers by the time the republic marks its centenary in 2023.
The most powerful and polarizing leader in Turkish history, Erdogan, 64, is standing for re-election in a presidential vote on Sunday that could cement Turkey's switch from a parliamentary to a presidential system, which was narrowly approved in a referendum last year. He would take an office with vastly expanded powers, in a system that critics have compared to one-man rule. His opponents have promised a return to a parliamentary system with a distinct separation of powers.
Opinion polls have put Erdogan several points ahead of his closest competitor in the presidential race. However, he would need to win more than 50 percent of the votes for an outright first-round victory and that looks less likely. Analysts say the outcome could be decided in a second round runoff on July 8.
Erdogan, who has never lost an election, is this time around facing more robust opposition figures and parties cooperating with each other in an anti-Erdogan alliance. For the first time ever, Turkey will elect a new parliament at the same time, but his Justice and Development party's election campaign has appeared a little flat and uninspired, focusing on past achievements and making odd campaign promises such as the creation of neighborhood "reading houses" offering free tea and cakes. Analysts even speak of the possibility of Justice and Development losing its majority in Parliament.
"(Erdogan) remains by far the most popular politician in Turkey," said Sinan Ulgen of the Istanbul-based EDAM think tank. "He is still the one that is the most likely to be elected, but it is not a foregone conclusion."
Erdogan called the presidential and parliamentary elections more than a year earlier than scheduled amid signs that the Turkish economy may be heading toward a downturn. Despite strong growth figures, inflation and unemployment have hit double-digit figures while the lira has lost some 20 percent of its value against the dollar since the start of the year.
Additionally, the polls are being held as nationalist sentiment is high following a Turkish military operation into a Syrian border enclave earlier this year that drove away Syrian Kurdish fighters that Turkey brands as terrorists. Turkey has recently intensified air raids on a suspected Kurdish rebel stronghold in northern Iraq, a move that could further rally votes for Erdogan.
The most powerful leader since the Turkish republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Erdogan remains popular in Turkey's conservative and pious heartland. Many see in him a strong leader who stands up to the West, who brought stability, oversaw an infrastructure boom, who improved health care and relaxed strict secular laws, for instance allowing women to wear Islamic headscarves in schools and government offices.
His critics say Erdogan, in pursuit of power, is turning the NATO country that once hoped to join the European Union into an increasingly authoritarian state. They accuse him of curtailing democracy and freedom of speech by jailing opponents, including students, journalists and activists, especially following a failed military coup in 2016. A state of emergency declared after the coup attempt has led to the arrests of some 50,000 and seen more than 110,000 dismissed from government jobs.
Addressing crowds in an election rally in the city of Kahramanmaras on Thursday, Erdogan vowed to work harder to meet Turkey's goals for 2023 and beyond.
"You know very well the level we (the AKP) have brought Turkey up to in the last 16 years. With God's permission we were able to serve you," Erdogan said. "In the coming five years you will see an Erdogan who scurries and buzzes about even harder to serve his people and country."
Erdogan's adviser Ilnur Cevik, in an interview with The Associated Press, rejected accusations that Erdogan is in pursuit of greater powers.
"Erdogan is the man to deliver," Cevik said. "Erdogan does not have absolute power — he has the affection of the people."
The allied opposition — which includes the center-left and pro-secular Republican Peoples' Party, the center-right Good Party and the small Islamic Felicity Party — has vowed to roll back Erdogan's presidential system and to improve relations with allies and the European Union. Also challenging Erdogan is the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party, whose charismatic leader is running for president from jail.
Erdogan's AKP has formed an alliance with the far-right Nationalist Movement Party. Already in control of a majority of Turkey's media, Erdogan's government has changed electoral rules, raising fears that the elections may not be fair. The changes allow government officials to control polling stations, for polling places to be moved to new locations on security grounds and for ballot papers lacking an official stamp to be counted as valid.
Ismail Buyukcakar, who played soccer alongside Erdogan in the early 1970s in Istanbul's Camialti team, recalls a young man who had leadership qualities and oozed confidence.
"He is a good fortune for Turkey. We need to take advantage of this good fortune," Buyukcakar said. "In my opinion, Turkey needs our president for another 20 years."https://www.yahoo.com/news/turkeys-erdogan-seeks-term-greater-powers-082436562.html
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkey's Erdogan says finalized preparations to make more safe zones in Syria. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5327256,00.html
Doomer Doug
TB Fanatic
Hmm, it looks like Erdogan is now going into Libya for whatever reason. It may be related to the election loss he suffered in major cities recently. Northern Syria isn't enough. Greece isn't enough for him. Erdogan, the leader of the restored Ottoman empire now wants to send troops into Libya. Sheesh.
https://translate.google.com/transl...anahaitisei-ton-haftar&langpair=auto|en&hl=en
In an unusual move, Ankara, which has sent naval forces carrying SAS SAT teams off Libya, is preparing an intervention to intercept the forces of Marshal Hafatar who appears to have been enforced by the recognized but weak military, Libyan government.
Besides, the Tripoli government is friendly to the Turkish one and Ankara seeks to use it to create a problem in Greece and to determine the Greek EEZ to the south of Crete.
https://translate.google.com/transl...anahaitisei-ton-haftar&langpair=auto|en&hl=en
In an unusual move, Ankara, which has sent naval forces carrying SAS SAT teams off Libya, is preparing an intervention to intercept the forces of Marshal Hafatar who appears to have been enforced by the recognized but weak military, Libyan government.
Besides, the Tripoli government is friendly to the Turkish one and Ankara seeks to use it to create a problem in Greece and to determine the Greek EEZ to the south of Crete.
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Turkey denies reports on transfer of ISIS fighters to Libya
https://ahvalnews.com/libya/turkey-denies-reports-transfer-isis-fighters-libya (fair use)
Apr 17 2019
Turkey’s ambassador to Tunisia has denied a report by the local Al-Chourouk newspaper accusing Ankara of sending Islamic State (ISIS) militants from Syria to fight in Libya, Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported .
The Tunisian daily quoted Ahmad al-Mesmari, a spokesman for the eastern Libyan forces, as saying Turkey was providing weapons and fighters to the Libyan government based in the capital Tripoli in the west.
Eight years after the 2011 uprising that ended the 42-year rule Libyan despot Muammar Gaddafi, the country is engaged in a civil war and run by two rival administrations, one centred in the capital Tripoli and the other in eastern city of Tobruk. Turkey and Qatar support the government in Tripoli, while their regional rivals Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states support the eastern forces.
"The baseless allegations do not serve peace in the region, nor the Tunisian-Turkish relations, but weaken them, especially at a time the entire region needs solidarity," Anadolu quoted the Turkish ambassador to Tunisia, Ömer Faruk Doğan, as saying
Turkey has been accused of funding and arming Islamist factions in Libya despite an international arms embargo, a charge that Turkey denies.
https://ahvalnews.com/libya/turkey-denies-reports-transfer-isis-fighters-libya (fair use)
Apr 17 2019
Turkey’s ambassador to Tunisia has denied a report by the local Al-Chourouk newspaper accusing Ankara of sending Islamic State (ISIS) militants from Syria to fight in Libya, Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported .
The Tunisian daily quoted Ahmad al-Mesmari, a spokesman for the eastern Libyan forces, as saying Turkey was providing weapons and fighters to the Libyan government based in the capital Tripoli in the west.
Eight years after the 2011 uprising that ended the 42-year rule Libyan despot Muammar Gaddafi, the country is engaged in a civil war and run by two rival administrations, one centred in the capital Tripoli and the other in eastern city of Tobruk. Turkey and Qatar support the government in Tripoli, while their regional rivals Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states support the eastern forces.
"The baseless allegations do not serve peace in the region, nor the Tunisian-Turkish relations, but weaken them, especially at a time the entire region needs solidarity," Anadolu quoted the Turkish ambassador to Tunisia, Ömer Faruk Doğan, as saying
Turkey has been accused of funding and arming Islamist factions in Libya despite an international arms embargo, a charge that Turkey denies.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Turkey reacts to threat of US sanctions with military deployment near Syria Significant deployment of heavy weapons has taken place near the strategic northern border town of Tal Abyad, controlled by the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia
ANKARA: An increase in Turkish military deployments near the Turkish-Syrian border has raised fears of an extensive conflict east of the Euphrates.
A significant deployment of heavy weapons has taken place near the strategic northern border town of Tal Abyad, controlled by the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. The control of Tal Abyad helped the YPG connect noncontiguous territory in northern Syria and organizing it into cantons such as Afrn, Kobani and Al-Jazira.
The Turkish operation into Syria might be linked with the risk of approaching US sanctions through the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over the purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.
A US delegation is set to arrive Ankara next week, and military movements by Turkey in Syria are expected to form part of its agenda.
Dr. Sinan Hatahet, a Syrian analyst based in Istanbul, believed that conflict was unlikely because there are ongoing negotiations about the safe zone in northern Syria and Manbij.
“Both countries are still resolved to solve their bilateral issues through diplomatic channels. But if the US impose sanctions, it could harm this long-dated relationship,” Hatahet said.
The Turkish military has initiated troop deployments several times over recent years to put pressure on the US to realize its agreement in the northern city of Manbij.
“The only unique aspect of this deployment is that it is happening just after the delivery of S-400 components. The American priority in Syria is to advance negotiations for a political solution and to challenge Iranian expansion,” Hatahet said.
Mehmet Emin Cengiz, a research assistant at the Al Sharq Forum in Istanbul, said even though Ankara constantly emphasizes its willingness to find a workable solution in northern Syria, US sanction threats could lead Turkey to consider new options.
“If the US decides to impose harsh sanctions that will cripple the Turkish economy, Turkey can go for a unilateral military operation in Northern Syria. Sanctions might trigger a new military operation in the east of the Euphrates,” Cengiz said.
Cengiz believes that Ankara’s decision to amass troops along the Turkish-Syrian border adjacent to YPG-controlled areas is a direct signal to the US.
“Turkey has been losing its patience with the US in recent years. The Manbij issue has been problematic between the two sides for a long time. The shared plan for the city was not implemented for more than a year,” he added.
“The nature and scale of the planned safe zone in Northern Syria is still an issue between the two sides. The US seems to be clear in its decision to back the YPG in the future,” Cengiz added.
According to Cengiz, with this recent military deployment, Turkey is trying to strengthen its hand in response to US threats.
Joe Macaron, a fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, thinks that Erdogan has two goals in mind: Influence Trump’s thinking on sanctions and react to the US’ decision last week to consider deploying European troops along the Syrian-Turkish border.
“Since Trump and his national security advisers are not talking in one voice on the S-400, Erdogan is trying to weigh in on this debate by highlighting the potential risks to US forces, however this move might further antagonize the US against Ankara,” he said.
“While Erdogan is trying to have leverage over the upcoming talks between the Turkish and American militaries regarding northern Syria, the unintended risk is provoking a confrontation with Kurdish forces, which might increase the cost of Turkish intervention in Syria at a critical time in Erdogan’s political future,” Macaron said.
In addition to CAATSA sanctions, Ankara could likely face punitive measures from Brussels. In response to Turkey’s gas drilling activities in Cypriot waters, the EU is also threatening to cut pre-accession funding to Ankara by €145.8 million ($164.6 million), Politico recently reported.http://www.arabnews.com/node/1525676/middle-east
ANKARA: An increase in Turkish military deployments near the Turkish-Syrian border has raised fears of an extensive conflict east of the Euphrates.
A significant deployment of heavy weapons has taken place near the strategic northern border town of Tal Abyad, controlled by the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. The control of Tal Abyad helped the YPG connect noncontiguous territory in northern Syria and organizing it into cantons such as Afrn, Kobani and Al-Jazira.
The Turkish operation into Syria might be linked with the risk of approaching US sanctions through the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over the purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.
A US delegation is set to arrive Ankara next week, and military movements by Turkey in Syria are expected to form part of its agenda.
Dr. Sinan Hatahet, a Syrian analyst based in Istanbul, believed that conflict was unlikely because there are ongoing negotiations about the safe zone in northern Syria and Manbij.
“Both countries are still resolved to solve their bilateral issues through diplomatic channels. But if the US impose sanctions, it could harm this long-dated relationship,” Hatahet said.
The Turkish military has initiated troop deployments several times over recent years to put pressure on the US to realize its agreement in the northern city of Manbij.
“The only unique aspect of this deployment is that it is happening just after the delivery of S-400 components. The American priority in Syria is to advance negotiations for a political solution and to challenge Iranian expansion,” Hatahet said.
Mehmet Emin Cengiz, a research assistant at the Al Sharq Forum in Istanbul, said even though Ankara constantly emphasizes its willingness to find a workable solution in northern Syria, US sanction threats could lead Turkey to consider new options.
“If the US decides to impose harsh sanctions that will cripple the Turkish economy, Turkey can go for a unilateral military operation in Northern Syria. Sanctions might trigger a new military operation in the east of the Euphrates,” Cengiz said.
Cengiz believes that Ankara’s decision to amass troops along the Turkish-Syrian border adjacent to YPG-controlled areas is a direct signal to the US.
“Turkey has been losing its patience with the US in recent years. The Manbij issue has been problematic between the two sides for a long time. The shared plan for the city was not implemented for more than a year,” he added.
“The nature and scale of the planned safe zone in Northern Syria is still an issue between the two sides. The US seems to be clear in its decision to back the YPG in the future,” Cengiz added.
According to Cengiz, with this recent military deployment, Turkey is trying to strengthen its hand in response to US threats.
Joe Macaron, a fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, thinks that Erdogan has two goals in mind: Influence Trump’s thinking on sanctions and react to the US’ decision last week to consider deploying European troops along the Syrian-Turkish border.
“Since Trump and his national security advisers are not talking in one voice on the S-400, Erdogan is trying to weigh in on this debate by highlighting the potential risks to US forces, however this move might further antagonize the US against Ankara,” he said.
“While Erdogan is trying to have leverage over the upcoming talks between the Turkish and American militaries regarding northern Syria, the unintended risk is provoking a confrontation with Kurdish forces, which might increase the cost of Turkish intervention in Syria at a critical time in Erdogan’s political future,” Macaron said.
In addition to CAATSA sanctions, Ankara could likely face punitive measures from Brussels. In response to Turkey’s gas drilling activities in Cypriot waters, the EU is also threatening to cut pre-accession funding to Ankara by €145.8 million ($164.6 million), Politico recently reported.http://www.arabnews.com/node/1525676/middle-east
danielboon
TB Fanatic
US warns Turkey against launching military operation east of Euphrates BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:10 A.M.) – The U.S. has warned Turkey against launching any cross-border military operation that seeks to move their forces into areas controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Kurdistan 24 reported over the weekend.
“The US military is closely watching the Syria-Turkish border due to growing concerns US troops in NE Syria will be caught up in a potential cross border Turkish military operation targeting Kurds in the coming days,” CNN correspondent Ryan Browne reported, as cited by Kurdistan 24.
The spokesperson for the Pentagon, Sean Robertson, told Kurdistan 24 that “Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern,” adding “We would find any such actions unacceptable.”
Robertson told the publication that Washington is conducting “intensive discussions with Turkey on a security mechanism to address their legitimate security concerns.”
“We believe this dialogue is the only way to secure the border area in a sustainable manner,” he continued, “and believe that uncoordinated military operations will undermine that shared interest,” he added.
Prior to these reports, several Turkish publications, including the Daily Sabah and Yeni Safak, stated that a military operation east of the Euphrates was imminent, as the Turkish Armed Forces had already begun deploying heavy armor and military personnel to the Syrian border. https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...unching-military-operation-east-of-euphrates/
“The US military is closely watching the Syria-Turkish border due to growing concerns US troops in NE Syria will be caught up in a potential cross border Turkish military operation targeting Kurds in the coming days,” CNN correspondent Ryan Browne reported, as cited by Kurdistan 24.
The spokesperson for the Pentagon, Sean Robertson, told Kurdistan 24 that “Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern,” adding “We would find any such actions unacceptable.”
Robertson told the publication that Washington is conducting “intensive discussions with Turkey on a security mechanism to address their legitimate security concerns.”
“We believe this dialogue is the only way to secure the border area in a sustainable manner,” he continued, “and believe that uncoordinated military operations will undermine that shared interest,” he added.
Prior to these reports, several Turkish publications, including the Daily Sabah and Yeni Safak, stated that a military operation east of the Euphrates was imminent, as the Turkish Armed Forces had already begun deploying heavy armor and military personnel to the Syrian border. https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...unching-military-operation-east-of-euphrates/
Doomer Doug
TB Fanatic
Erdogan just can't help being Erdogan!
Hey, gang this is called digging up a thread that is over one year old and finding out my favorite, delusional, fruit cake with delusions of restoring the historical Ottoman Empire is still all fired up. Now we have the Ruskie S-400 anti missile/aircraft system, which will mean Turkey won't get the F-35 and thus Turkey will pull out of NATO. And this, Daniel gets Putin what he has always wanted which is the collapse of the entire NATO Southern Front.
And now Erdogan, just like I said a year ago is making the military movies, further into Central Syria, over the Euphrates River and BINGO, BANGO, BONGO DANIEL BOONE WE GET A HOT MILITARY CRISIS IN SYRIA AND IRAQ. Gee, who would thunk that would happen.
Got your preps gang? Damn, is Doomer Doug good or what?
Hey, gang this is called digging up a thread that is over one year old and finding out my favorite, delusional, fruit cake with delusions of restoring the historical Ottoman Empire is still all fired up. Now we have the Ruskie S-400 anti missile/aircraft system, which will mean Turkey won't get the F-35 and thus Turkey will pull out of NATO. And this, Daniel gets Putin what he has always wanted which is the collapse of the entire NATO Southern Front.
And now Erdogan, just like I said a year ago is making the military movies, further into Central Syria, over the Euphrates River and BINGO, BANGO, BONGO DANIEL BOONE WE GET A HOT MILITARY CRISIS IN SYRIA AND IRAQ. Gee, who would thunk that would happen.
Got your preps gang? Damn, is Doomer Doug good or what?
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Hey, gang this is called digging up a thread that is over one year old and finding out my favorite, delusional, fruit cake with delusions of restoring the historical Ottoman Empire is still all fired up. Now we have the Ruskie S-400 anti missile/aircraft system, which will mean Turkey won't get the F-35 and thus Turkey will pull out of NATO. And this, Daniel gets Putin what he has always wanted which is the collapse of the entire NATO Southern Front.
And now Erdogan, just like I said a year ago is making the military movies, further into Central Syria, over the Euphrates River and BINGO, BANGO, BONGO DANIEL BOONE WE GET A HOT MILITARY CRISIS IN SYRIA AND IRAQ. Gee, who would thunk that would happen.
Got your preps gang? Damn, is Doomer Doug good or what?
The 3D chess board got set up the day Erdogan got the phone call from Putin advising him a western backed FETO coup was underway. A lot more moves before the final strategy gets laid out.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Woofers
@NotWoofers
·
38m
American fighter jets are flying a CAP along the border with Turkey at this time.
En Kurd i stan
@min_framtid
Replying to
@NotWoofers
CAP?
3:45 PM · Jul 15, 2019 ·
2
Likes
Woofers
@NotWoofers
·
34m
Replying to
@min_framtid
Combat Air Patrol. Basically just flying around in circles.
wartzilla
@wartzilla
·
34m
Replying to
@min_framtid
and
@NotWoofers
Combat air patrol
@NotWoofers
·
38m
American fighter jets are flying a CAP along the border with Turkey at this time.
En Kurd i stan
@min_framtid
Replying to
@NotWoofers
CAP?
3:45 PM · Jul 15, 2019 ·
2
Likes
Woofers
@NotWoofers
·
34m
Replying to
@min_framtid
Combat Air Patrol. Basically just flying around in circles.
wartzilla
@wartzilla
·
34m
Replying to
@min_framtid
and
@NotWoofers
Combat air patrol
If Turkey pulls out of NATO and attacks the US backed Kurds, what if anything will Turkey and Erdogan will do regarding our bases in the country? I hope that the US military has already pulled the nukes out and if we leave, we go scorched earth with the bases and destroy everything they can't take with them.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ELINT News Retweeted
paul mcleary
@paulmcleary
Incredible. For the second time, the Pentagon scheduled a briefing about Turkey and the S-400, and 30 minutes later cancelled it. Things are not well.
4:33 PM · Jul 15, 2019 ·
·
bozok
@cizgi66
·
29m
Replying to
@paulmcleary
(link: https://twitter.com/ObaSiyasi/status/1150868168765771776?s=19) twitter.com/ObaSiyasi/stat… mesaj
paul mcleary
@paulmcleary
Incredible. For the second time, the Pentagon scheduled a briefing about Turkey and the S-400, and 30 minutes later cancelled it. Things are not well.
4:33 PM · Jul 15, 2019 ·
·
bozok
@cizgi66
·
29m
Replying to
@paulmcleary
(link: https://twitter.com/ObaSiyasi/status/1150868168765771776?s=19) twitter.com/ObaSiyasi/stat… mesaj
danielboon
TB Fanatic
And that is the question are the nukes out .if not this could get real interesting. Yup Doug Erdogan really wants his empire back .
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3
@EndGameWW3
The rift between the U.S. and Turkey may be permanent (link: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/na...-between-u-s-turkey-may-be-permanent-n1029781) nbcnews.com/politics/natio… via
@nbcnews
5:37 PM · Jul 15, 2019
·
@EndGameWW3
The rift between the U.S. and Turkey may be permanent (link: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/na...-between-u-s-turkey-may-be-permanent-n1029781) nbcnews.com/politics/natio… via
@nbcnews
5:37 PM · Jul 15, 2019
·
danielboon
TB Fanatic
SyriacMilitaryMFS
@SyriacMFS
Urgent Call by #Syriac Military Council, MFS General Command regarding Turkish state preparations to attack northern Syria and native communities. Call to international community, organisations and #Christians around the world to stop Turkish aggressions.
6:45 AM · Jul 17, 2019 ·
76
Retweets
74
Likes
SyriacMilitaryMFS
@SyriacMFS
·
2h
Replying to
@SyriacMFS
#Syriac Christians call on US Army to stop possible Turkish invasion in northeast Syria | report by
@vvanwilgenburg
Syriac Christians call on US Army to stop possible Turkish invasion in northeast Syria
https://t.co/MGwpEvnCbr
@SyriacMFS
Urgent Call by #Syriac Military Council, MFS General Command regarding Turkish state preparations to attack northern Syria and native communities. Call to international community, organisations and #Christians around the world to stop Turkish aggressions.
6:45 AM · Jul 17, 2019 ·
76
Retweets
74
Likes
SyriacMilitaryMFS
@SyriacMFS
·
2h
Replying to
@SyriacMFS
#Syriac Christians call on US Army to stop possible Turkish invasion in northeast Syria | report by
@vvanwilgenburg
Syriac Christians call on US Army to stop possible Turkish invasion in northeast Syria
https://t.co/MGwpEvnCbr
danielboon
TB Fanatic
#BREAKING
#Turkish artillery and warplanes heavily bombarding #PKK targets in #Bradost area.
#Turkish artillery and warplanes heavily bombarding #PKK targets in #Bradost area.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3
@EndGameWW3
Turkish Defense Minister Akar inspects troops on Syria border
Turkish Defense Minister Akar inspects troops on Syria border
anews.com.tr
12:18 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
https://t.co/Ure02zKGy7
@EndGameWW3
Turkish Defense Minister Akar inspects troops on Syria border
Turkish Defense Minister Akar inspects troops on Syria border
anews.com.tr
12:18 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
https://t.co/Ure02zKGy7
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3
@EndGameWW3
Breaking: Turkey moves more Troops to the Turkey/Syrian border over night.
12:22 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
@EndGameWW3
Breaking: Turkey moves more Troops to the Turkey/Syrian border over night.
12:22 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
Ragnarok
On and On, South of Heaven
I'm still not convinced the coup was not Erdogan's own device... The similarities to the Night of the Long Knives are remarkable.
Doomer Doug
TB Fanatic
Well, this ain't good Daniel. A huge win for Putin when Turkey pulls out of NATO and opens up the entire southern flank from Crimea/Ukraine and the Black Sea area.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019...te-against-us-troops-syria-over-new-sanctions
Pentagon Fears Turkey To Retaliate Against US Troops In Syria Over New Sanctions
Profile picture for user Tyler Durden
by Tyler Durden
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 11:30
As expected, Turkey blasted the White House's prior day announcement that it has killed Turkey's involvement in the F-35 joint strike fighter program after Ankara received a first batch of S-400 Russian-made air defense components starting last week. Turkey's foreign ministry called on the US to rectify its "mistake".
“This unilateral step is incompatible with the spirit of alliance and does not rely on any legitimate justification,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a strong-worded statement immediately following the White House press release. “We call on the United States to come back from this mistake that will cause irreparable wounds in our strategic relations,” it said.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019...te-against-us-troops-syria-over-new-sanctions
Pentagon Fears Turkey To Retaliate Against US Troops In Syria Over New Sanctions
Profile picture for user Tyler Durden
by Tyler Durden
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 11:30
As expected, Turkey blasted the White House's prior day announcement that it has killed Turkey's involvement in the F-35 joint strike fighter program after Ankara received a first batch of S-400 Russian-made air defense components starting last week. Turkey's foreign ministry called on the US to rectify its "mistake".
“This unilateral step is incompatible with the spirit of alliance and does not rely on any legitimate justification,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a strong-worded statement immediately following the White House press release. “We call on the United States to come back from this mistake that will cause irreparable wounds in our strategic relations,” it said.
pirate
Inactive
MİDDLE EAST
Russia says US replacing troops in Syria with mercenaries
U.S. has sent over 4,000 mercenaries in connection with planned reduction of its troops, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
News Service
09:38 July 18, 2019
The U.S. Central Command is replacing some of its regular troops in northern Syria with employees of private military companies (PMCs), Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday at a news conference in Moscow.
"The number of personnel of PMCs in Syria exceeds 4,000. It is notable that in the second half of June alone, 540 people had already arrived in the country, including 70 commanders and instructors. The transfer of mercenaries is carried out by car in groups of 12-16 people," she said.
According to Zakharova, the main tasks of the PMCs are training militants loyal to the U.S. and the protection of oil sites.
Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million others displaced, according to UN officials.
Turning to Afghanistan, Zakharova said the inter-Afghan dialogue and consultative meetings of the special representatives on Afghanistan in the "three plus" format -- Russia, the U.S., China and Pakistan -- are "key and complementary political mechanisms promoting a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan".
"We are convinced that the combination of the success of these two consultative mechanisms along with the promotion of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban movement will undoubtedly contribute to the solution of the Afghan problem," she said.
The raging Afghan conflict is in its 18th year, with thousands of lives lost and millions forced to flee their homes.
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/russia-says-us-replacing-troops-in-syria-with-mercenaries-3495765
Is the Deep State moving in more merc's tp retain income from the region? Sure would be something if the wells were all immobilized 6 months ,or so.
Russia says US replacing troops in Syria with mercenaries
U.S. has sent over 4,000 mercenaries in connection with planned reduction of its troops, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
News Service
09:38 July 18, 2019
The U.S. Central Command is replacing some of its regular troops in northern Syria with employees of private military companies (PMCs), Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday at a news conference in Moscow.
"The number of personnel of PMCs in Syria exceeds 4,000. It is notable that in the second half of June alone, 540 people had already arrived in the country, including 70 commanders and instructors. The transfer of mercenaries is carried out by car in groups of 12-16 people," she said.
According to Zakharova, the main tasks of the PMCs are training militants loyal to the U.S. and the protection of oil sites.
Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million others displaced, according to UN officials.
Turning to Afghanistan, Zakharova said the inter-Afghan dialogue and consultative meetings of the special representatives on Afghanistan in the "three plus" format -- Russia, the U.S., China and Pakistan -- are "key and complementary political mechanisms promoting a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan".
"We are convinced that the combination of the success of these two consultative mechanisms along with the promotion of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban movement will undoubtedly contribute to the solution of the Afghan problem," she said.
The raging Afghan conflict is in its 18th year, with thousands of lives lost and millions forced to flee their homes.
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/russia-says-us-replacing-troops-in-syria-with-mercenaries-3495765
Is the Deep State moving in more merc's tp retain income from the region? Sure would be something if the wells were all immobilized 6 months ,or so.
Last edited:
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EHA News
@eha_news
? | At least 4 planes of the #Turkish Air Force have heavily bombarded PKK targets in #Iraq's #Makhmour as retaliation for the killing of a Turkish diplomat in #Erbil
/>
0:09
From
TSKMap.net
6:39 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
3
Retweets
6
Likes
EHA News
@eha_news
·
18m
Replying to
@eha_news
#BREAKING
The #Erbil police department said that the PKK terrorist Mazlum Dag, who killed a #Turkish diplomat in the city yesterday, went to the Makhmour camp of the terror group four times in the week before the incident
/>
0:02
@eha_news
? | At least 4 planes of the #Turkish Air Force have heavily bombarded PKK targets in #Iraq's #Makhmour as retaliation for the killing of a Turkish diplomat in #Erbil
/>
0:09
From
TSKMap.net
6:39 PM · Jul 18, 2019 ·
3
Retweets
6
Likes
EHA News
@eha_news
·
18m
Replying to
@eha_news
#BREAKING
The #Erbil police department said that the PKK terrorist Mazlum Dag, who killed a #Turkish diplomat in the city yesterday, went to the Makhmour camp of the terror group four times in the week before the incident
/>
0:02
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3 Retweeted
ELINT News
@ELINTNews
#UPDATE: Turkish Air Force currently over Iraqi airspace conducting airstrikes. While some reports suggest a PKK base is being struck, other reports suggest the airstrikes have hit near a refugee camp in Makhmour
Quote Tweet
Barzan Sadiq
@BarzanSadiq
· 1h
More than four #Turkish fighter jets flying over #PKK camp in #Makhmour, southern #Erbil.
Show this thread
5:39 PM · Jul 18, 2019
ELINT News
@ELINTNews
#UPDATE: Turkish Air Force currently over Iraqi airspace conducting airstrikes. While some reports suggest a PKK base is being struck, other reports suggest the airstrikes have hit near a refugee camp in Makhmour
Quote Tweet
Barzan Sadiq
@BarzanSadiq
· 1h
More than four #Turkish fighter jets flying over #PKK camp in #Makhmour, southern #Erbil.
Show this thread
5:39 PM · Jul 18, 2019
danielboon
TB Fanatic
it is going to happen. Erdogan is up to the challenge looks like this is about to go south very soon.
Doomer Doug
TB Fanatic
Gee, Doomer Doug is getting a bad feeling about this whacking of Turkey's diplomat in Erbil, Kurdish zone in IRAQ. Can you all say Archduke Ferdinad, his wife, Sarejevo, August 1914 and World War One? Nah, it isn't like Erdogan is mentally unstable or anything?
Oh no, Turkish Air Force is bombing the #$$%%^^^^^ C%%%^^ out of IRAQ: Not Syria but IRAQ'S KURDISH ZONE. Now the Shia/Iran axis can't allow Erdogan to bomb the F%^^^&&&7 C%$$^^&& out of the Kurdish zone because then all the rest of the Kurdish Peshmerga, like the 150,000 of them will then get into it with Turkey.
So, Daniel getting all warm and fuzzy with Erodgan in full bombing everything Kurdish mode?
And the Iranian drone being shot down stirs things up also.
Oh no, Turkish Air Force is bombing the #$$%%^^^^^ C%%%^^ out of IRAQ: Not Syria but IRAQ'S KURDISH ZONE. Now the Shia/Iran axis can't allow Erdogan to bomb the F%^^^&&&7 C%$$^^&& out of the Kurdish zone because then all the rest of the Kurdish Peshmerga, like the 150,000 of them will then get into it with Turkey.
So, Daniel getting all warm and fuzzy with Erodgan in full bombing everything Kurdish mode?
And the Iranian drone being shot down stirs things up also.
intothatgoodnight
. . .
Assuming report is accurate - places U.S. "military" involvement in Syria below the political radar screen - without mercs, almost certainly wouldn't pass the political/congressional smell test, otherwise.
Follow the money - SOMEBODY is paying for this - 4,000 mercs are not cheap, nor the logistics tail to support them.
EU/NATO/Saudi/Israeli/central bank funding?
Pentagon money?
Authorized, or a slush fund?
intothegoodnight
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3
@EndGameWW3
Kurdish forces strike Turkish Army, rebel positions in northern Aleppo (link: https://aml.ink/cG5mo) aml.ink/cG5mo via
@thearabsource
Kurdish forces strike Turkish Army, rebel positions in northern Aleppo
almasdarnews.com
1:19 PM · Jul 20, 2019
@EndGameWW3
Kurdish forces strike Turkish Army, rebel positions in northern Aleppo (link: https://aml.ink/cG5mo) aml.ink/cG5mo via
@thearabsource
Kurdish forces strike Turkish Army, rebel positions in northern Aleppo
almasdarnews.com
1:19 PM · Jul 20, 2019
Zagdid
Veteran Member
US military convoy enters Syria with heavy equipment destined for SDF-held territories
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...ment-destined-for-sdf-held-territories-video/ (fair use)
By News Desk -2019-07-20
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:30 P.M.) – A U.S. military convoy entered Syria this weekend to deliver new equipment to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the pro-militant Halab Today TV reported on Saturday.
According to the report, the U.S. military convoy consisted of many trucks and entered northeastern Syria from northwestern Iraq.
The Syrian Democratic Forces are still hunting down the remaining Islamic State terrorists that are hiding east of the Euphrates.
However, the SDF may soon find themselves busy in northern Syria as the Turkish Armed Forces are allegedly planning to invade the two towns of Manbij (northeastern Aleppo) and Tal Abyad (northern Al-Raqqa).
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...ment-destined-for-sdf-held-territories-video/ (fair use)
By News Desk -2019-07-20
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:30 P.M.) – A U.S. military convoy entered Syria this weekend to deliver new equipment to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the pro-militant Halab Today TV reported on Saturday.
According to the report, the U.S. military convoy consisted of many trucks and entered northeastern Syria from northwestern Iraq.
The Syrian Democratic Forces are still hunting down the remaining Islamic State terrorists that are hiding east of the Euphrates.
However, the SDF may soon find themselves busy in northern Syria as the Turkish Armed Forces are allegedly planning to invade the two towns of Manbij (northeastern Aleppo) and Tal Abyad (northern Al-Raqqa).