Erdogan’s Turkey talks about ground operation on northern Syria, Iraq
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed on Monday that there are talks with parties to the conflict of Syria to carry out a ground military operation on northern Syria and northern Iraq.
On Sunday dawn, the cities of Kobani and Derik (al-Malikiyah), and the northern countryside of Aleppo, in addition to other areas on Syrian-Turkish border were targeted by Turkish warplanes, killing 13 people, including civilians and fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to a statement released by the SDF.
Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria and Iraq were not limited to just an air campaign and discussions would be held on the involvement of ground forces, Turkish media reported, citing Erdogan as saying.
Speaking to reporters on his return from a trip to Qatar, Erdogan said that the Turkish general staff and defense ministry would decide together on the involvement of ground forces.
In addition, Erdogan stressed that he is not waiting for permission from the US or other parties.
At the same time, he stressed that there are talks with parties to the conflict of Syria about the potential operation.
On Sunday, two opposition sources denied the possibility of launching a ground military operation “at the near future” against areas held by the SDF after the Turkish airstrikes.