Erdogan calls for Russia’s support in Syria’s north
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Turkish Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he asked for Russia’s support to launch the military operation “Sword Claw” against north Syria.
Erdogan told reporters that he asked for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support in “making mutual decisions and maybe acting to take steps together” in areas north Syria.
On Nov. 20, Turkey struck areas in north and northeast Syria, using warplanes, drones and artillery, targeting civilians and military personnel of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and of the Syrian government forces in addition to hitting vital infrastructures in the region.
The Turkish airstrikes came in response to Istanbul blast on Nov. 13 which Turkey blamed on the SDF that in turn denied it involvement in it.
Turkey launched three military operations against northern and northeastern regions in Syria. The first was “Euphrates Shield” operation in 2016 where it occupied Jarablus and al-Bab, the second was “Olive Branch” operation in 2018 where it occupied Afrin region, and the third was “Peace Spring” in 2019 which resulted in the occupation of the two cities of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Tel Abyad with their countryside.