European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-head-appeals-to-turkey-for-restraint-in-syria-254812">Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria</a>, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created.

He spoke as Turkish forces launched an assault on Kurdish positions, with airstrikes and explosions reported near the border.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the&nbsp;attack, which is aimed at curbing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The SDF was previously allied to the US, which used it to crush the Islamic State group.

Juncker told the European Parliament he recognised Turkey had "security concerns" along the border. But he warned the military action would not lead to a "good result", saying a political solution was the only way to end the Syrian conflict.

"I call on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-initiation-of-syria-operation-254739">Turkey as well as the other actors to act with restraint and to stop operations already</a>, as we are speaking, underway," Juncker said.

"I have to say if the Turkish plan involves the creation of a so-called safe zone, don't expect the European Union to pay for any of it."

Ankara regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists linked to insurgents inside Turkey. It wants to invade to create a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border where it could send back some of the 3.6 million refugees it hosts from Syria's eight-year civil war.

NATO member Turkey is technically a candidate country to join the European Union but accession talks are effectively frozen and ties between the Ankara and the bloc have limped along for years.

Ankara agreed to a $6.6 billion&nbsp;deal with Brussels to stem the influx of migrants to the EU in 2016, but relations soured after Erdogan unleashed a major crackdown in the wake of a failed coup to overthrow him in the same year.

European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created.

European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created. He spoke as Turkish forces launched an assault on Kurdish positions, with airstrikes and explosions reported near the border. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the attack, which is aimed at curbing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF was previously allied to the US, which used it to crush the Islamic State group. Juncker told the European Parliament he recognised Turkey had "security concerns" along the border. But he warned the military action would not lead to a "good result", saying a political solution was the only way to end the Syrian conflict. "I call on Turkey as well as the other actors to act with restraint and to stop operations already, as we are speaking, underway," Juncker said. "I have to say if the Turkish plan involves the creation of a so-called safe zone, don't expect the European Union to pay for any of it." Ankara regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists linked to insurgents inside Turkey. It wants to invade to create a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border where it could send back some of the 3.6 million refugees it hosts from Syria's eight-year civil war. NATO member Turkey is technically a candidate country to join the European Union but accession talks are effectively frozen and ties between the Ankara and the bloc have limped along for years. Ankara agreed to a $6.6 billion deal with Brussels to stem the influx of migrants to the EU in 2016, but relations soured after Erdogan unleashed a major crackdown in the wake of a failed coup to overthrow him in the same year.

European Union urges Turkey to halt Syria offensive, will not pay for 'safe zone'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-initiation-of-syria-operation-254739">Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria</a> on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead.

The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-strikes-in-syrian-iraqi-border-ahead-of-planned-offensive-254608">Turkish artillery fire</a> also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes."

"There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds. In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead. The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area. Turkish artillery fire also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory. The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes." "There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish air strikes hit northeast Syria near border: Monitor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-may-run-out-of-money-by-end-of-the-month-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-254359">The United Nations</a> Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session.

Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session.

The South African diplomat, who holds the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-this-must-stop-after-iraqi-protest-violence-kills-nearly-100-253995">council presidency</a> for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria. Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session. Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session. The South African diplomat, who holds the council presidency for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

United Nations Security Council head appeals to Turkey for restraint in Syria

Turkey has boosted its military positions on the border with Syria after finalising preparations for a military push into northeast Syria.

Turkey deploys tank convoy to Syrian border

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-be-in-process-of-leaving-syria-but-in-no-way-have-we-abandoned-the-kurds-trump-254577">Kurdish forces using the route</a> to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday.

Turkey said it is ready to advance into northeast Syria now that the United States has begun withdrawing troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-united-states-spar-over-syrian-operation-kurdish-forces-feel-vulnerable-254450">America's allies, the Kurds</a>.

As Turkish troops finalise plans, the government's scheme to move millions of refugees into conquered territory in northeast Syria is alarming some Western allies as much as the military operation itself.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prez-warned-turkey-against-hurting-us-soldiers-during-their-operation-254364/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat.

The US move will leave Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit the United States on November 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue.

On Tuesday, a US official said US defense secretary Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley took part in the phone call, but the official did not provide further details.

"Given the likely military issues raised on the call between (Trump) and President Erdogan, Secretary of Defense Esper and Chairman Milley participated on the call," said the official.

Earlier, the Pentagon said Esper and Milley had been consulted by Trump "over the last several days" about a possible Turkish strike in Syria.

"Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

A Turkish security official said one of the main goals of the overnight strike was to cut off a transit route between Iraq and Syria often used by Kurdish armed groups "before the operation in Syria".

It was unclear what damage was done or whether there were casualties. Details of the strike, a joint operation by Turkey's intelligence service and the military, were hazy. One official described them as an air strike, while the other said the site was made "unusable through various means".

Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State(IS) in Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in Syria.

Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians.

Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led forces said they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US withdrawal.

Turkey sought to underscore its determination to act. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said. 
&nbsp;

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday.

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday. Turkey said it is ready to advance into northeast Syria now that the United States has begun withdrawing troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. As Turkish troops finalise plans, the government's scheme to move millions of refugees into conquered territory in northeast Syria is alarming some Western allies as much as the military operation itself. Watch Video: For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat. The US move will leave Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit the United States on November 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue. On Tuesday, a US official said US defense secretary Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley took part in the phone call, but the official did not provide further details. "Given the likely military issues raised on the call between (Trump) and President Erdogan, Secretary of Defense Esper and Chairman Milley participated on the call," said the official. Earlier, the Pentagon said Esper and Milley had been consulted by Trump "over the last several days" about a possible Turkish strike in Syria. "Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. A Turkish security official said one of the main goals of the overnight strike was to cut off a transit route between Iraq and Syria often used by Kurdish armed groups "before the operation in Syria". It was unclear what damage was done or whether there were casualties. Details of the strike, a joint operation by Turkey's intelligence service and the military, were hazy. One official described them as an air strike, while the other said the site was made "unusable through various means". Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State(IS) in Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in Syria. Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians. Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led forces said they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US withdrawal. Turkey sought to underscore its determination to act. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said.

Turkey strikes in Syrian-Iraqi border ahead of planned offensive

By Tony Walker&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump’s precipitate announcement he was withdrawing American forces from northeast Syria to enable Turkey to assert its authority along the border risks wider regional bloodshed – and further destabilisation of one of the world’s most volatile corners.

If implemented against a furious pushback from his own side of politics, the Trump decision threatens a region-wide conflagration. These are the stakes.

Trump has given contradictory signals before on the same issue. It remains to be seen whether he gives ground again after what appears to have been a hasty, certainly ill-considered, decision following a phone conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Now under enormous stress from his own side, Trump is resorting to bombast. Leading the charge against the Trump decision is his close ally, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. He has threatened to introduce a Senate resolution opposing the administration’s decision, describing the move as a “stain on America’s honour”.

Like plucking a thread from a finely woven Turkish rug, the administration’s announcement effectively to abandon a Kurdish militia could lead to a complete unravelling of that part of the Middle East in which various forces have collided since the Syrian civil war broke out in March 2011.

America’s Kurdish allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia arm (known as the YPG), would be at the mercy of a Turkish thrust across the Syrian border into territory the Kurds now control.

Turkey has made no secret of its intention to create what it is calling “safe zones” up to 30 kilometres inside the border in northeast Syria. This would enable it to relocate tens of thousands of Syrian refugees among the 3.6 million on Turkish soil.

In the face of such a Turkish move, the YPG would be hard put to hold sway against both Turkey’s military and Islamic State fighters seeking to take advantage of militia weakness in the absence of US support on the ground and in the air.

The ABC reports that something like 70,000 members of Islamic State or their supporters are being held in camps in SDF-controlled territory. Around 60 people of Australian origin, including children, are in this situation.

Thousands of IS militants are being held in prison camps in SDF-controlled territory. These fighters have already sought to stage mass breakouts from prison facilities.

Turkey views the YPG militia as cross-border allies of Kurdish separatists – and it regards the Kurdish separatists as terrorists.

The situation along the Turkish-Syria border is, by any standards, an explosive mix.

At the same time, Syrian forces of Bashar al-Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, would inevitably be poised to take advantage of chaos and regain territory lost in the civil war. This is a highly destabilising scenario.

In other words, Trump’s announcement could hardly portend a more worrisome outcome in a part of the world riven by years of conflict.

The US announcement also sends a disturbing signal to the wider Middle East that the Trump administration is intent on pulling back from its commitments in an unstable region.

Confidence in American steadfastness is already precarious due to Trump’s repeated statement that America wants to remove itself from “endless” wars in the Middle East.

In a Twitter message early this week that amplified a White House announcement, Trump said it was time for the US to withdraw from “these ridiculous Endless Wars”.

Trump also attacked European allies over their failure to take back their nationals among IS fighters held in SDF-run detention centres in northeast Syria. Some 10,000 prisoners are being detained.

This is a situation ripe for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The latter is seeking to reassert itself in a region it regards as its own sphere of influence. Moscow’s support for Damascus is part of this regional power play.

These are telling moments. Signs of an apparent American lack of commitment might well encourage Iran and Russia, as well as Islamic militants such as IS and al-Qaeda. These groups have been biding their time.

None of America’s regional friends, including Gulf states and Israel, will draw any comfort at all from the Trump decision – if implemented – to head for the exit.

By any standards, this is a mess of Trump’s own making.

 
(Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria-opens-way-for-dangerous-middle-east-power-play-124784"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Tony Walker US President Donald Trump’s precipitate announcement he was withdrawing American forces from northeast Syria to enable Turkey to assert its authority along the border risks wider regional bloodshed – and further destabilisation of one of the world’s most volatile corners.

By Tony Walker US President Donald Trump’s precipitate announcement he was withdrawing American forces from northeast Syria to enable Turkey to assert its authority along the border risks wider regional bloodshed – and further destabilisation of one of the world’s most volatile corners. If implemented against a furious pushback from his own side of politics, the Trump decision threatens a region-wide conflagration. These are the stakes. Trump has given contradictory signals before on the same issue. It remains to be seen whether he gives ground again after what appears to have been a hasty, certainly ill-considered, decision following a phone conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Now under enormous stress from his own side, Trump is resorting to bombast. Leading the charge against the Trump decision is his close ally, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. He has threatened to introduce a Senate resolution opposing the administration’s decision, describing the move as a “stain on America’s honour”. Like plucking a thread from a finely woven Turkish rug, the administration’s announcement effectively to abandon a Kurdish militia could lead to a complete unravelling of that part of the Middle East in which various forces have collided since the Syrian civil war broke out in March 2011. America’s Kurdish allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia arm (known as the YPG), would be at the mercy of a Turkish thrust across the Syrian border into territory the Kurds now control. Turkey has made no secret of its intention to create what it is calling “safe zones” up to 30 kilometres inside the border in northeast Syria. This would enable it to relocate tens of thousands of Syrian refugees among the 3.6 million on Turkish soil. In the face of such a Turkish move, the YPG would be hard put to hold sway against both Turkey’s military and Islamic State fighters seeking to take advantage of militia weakness in the absence of US support on the ground and in the air. The ABC reports that something like 70,000 members of Islamic State or their supporters are being held in camps in SDF-controlled territory. Around 60 people of Australian origin, including children, are in this situation. Thousands of IS militants are being held in prison camps in SDF-controlled territory. These fighters have already sought to stage mass breakouts from prison facilities. Turkey views the YPG militia as cross-border allies of Kurdish separatists – and it regards the Kurdish separatists as terrorists. The situation along the Turkish-Syria border is, by any standards, an explosive mix. At the same time, Syrian forces of Bashar al-Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, would inevitably be poised to take advantage of chaos and regain territory lost in the civil war. This is a highly destabilising scenario. In other words, Trump’s announcement could hardly portend a more worrisome outcome in a part of the world riven by years of conflict. The US announcement also sends a disturbing signal to the wider Middle East that the Trump administration is intent on pulling back from its commitments in an unstable region. Confidence in American steadfastness is already precarious due to Trump’s repeated statement that America wants to remove itself from “endless” wars in the Middle East. In a Twitter message early this week that amplified a White House announcement, Trump said it was time for the US to withdraw from “these ridiculous Endless Wars”. Trump also attacked European allies over their failure to take back their nationals among IS fighters held in SDF-run detention centres in northeast Syria. Some 10,000 prisoners are being detained. This is a situation ripe for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The latter is seeking to reassert itself in a region it regards as its own sphere of influence. Moscow’s support for Damascus is part of this regional power play. These are telling moments. Signs of an apparent American lack of commitment might well encourage Iran and Russia, as well as Islamic militants such as IS and al-Qaeda. These groups have been biding their time. None of America’s regional friends, including Gulf states and Israel, will draw any comfort at all from the Trump decision – if implemented – to head for the exit. By any standards, this is a mess of Trump’s own making. (Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump decision to withdraw troops from Syria opens way for dangerous Middle East power play

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-syria-attack-plans-complete-trump-delivers-threat-254495">Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria</a>, but said its preparations were underway.&nbsp;

"Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality. The operation has not been launched yet," a Turkish official said in a note to reporters.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said earlier on Wednesday that the military build-up along Turkey's southern border was continuing.&nbsp;

"Our preparations regarding the operation are ongoing. (Troop) transfers and preparations are still underway," Akar said, according to state news agency Anadolu.&nbsp;

AFP correspondents at the border witnessed the arrival of a large convoy of vehicles in the Turkish town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa province overnight.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said the Turkish military was shelling its positions over the border at Sere Kaniye.

That is one of the positions from which US forces withdrew earlier this week after the White House announced it was pulling back special forces from Syria's northern frontier.

Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria, but said its preparations were underway. "Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality.

Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria, but said its preparations were underway. "Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality. The operation has not been launched yet," a Turkish official said in a note to reporters. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said earlier on Wednesday that the military build-up along Turkey's southern border was continuing. "Our preparations regarding the operation are ongoing. (Troop) transfers and preparations are still underway," Akar said, according to state news agency Anadolu. AFP correspondents at the border witnessed the arrival of a large convoy of vehicles in the Turkish town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa province overnight. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said the Turkish military was shelling its positions over the border at Sere Kaniye. That is one of the positions from which US forces withdrew earlier this week after the White House announced it was pulling back special forces from Syria's northern frontier.

Turkey denies initiation of Syria operation

Turkish&nbsp;forces, together with the&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;Free&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Army, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-preparations-for-syria-operations-completed-says-turkey-254414">will&nbsp;cross&nbsp;the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;border "shortly",</a> President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director said early on Wednesday, as a surprise withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops made way for the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;incursion.

Turkey has been poised to advance into northeast&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;since the US&nbsp;troops began vacating the area in an abrupt policy shift by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;officials told Reuters that the&nbsp;military&nbsp;had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-strikes-in-syrian-iraqi-border-ahead-of-planned-offensive-254608">struck the&nbsp;Syrian-Iraqi border</a> to prevent Kurdish&nbsp;forces&nbsp;using the route to reinforce the region, though details of the strikes were hazy.

President&nbsp;Erdogan's&nbsp;aide&nbsp;Fahrettin Altun said that fighters from the Kurdish YPG militia in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;could either defect or Ankara would have to "stop them from disrupting" Turkey's struggle against the Islamic State militants.

"The&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;military, together with the Free&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Army, will&nbsp;cross&nbsp;the&nbsp;Turkish-Syrian&nbsp;border shortly," Altun said in a tweet extracted from a column written by him which was published in the Washington Post.

"Turkey has no ambition in northeastern&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;except to neutralize a long-standing threat against&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;citizens and to liberate the local population from the yoke of armed thugs," the column said.Turkey has said it intends to create a "safe zone" in order to return millions of refugees to&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;soil, but the scheme has alarmed some Western allies as much as the risks posed by the&nbsp;military&nbsp;operation itself.

For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish&nbsp;Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat.

The US withdrawal from the area will leave Kurdish-led&nbsp;forces&nbsp;long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;Armed&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;(TSK).

Erdogan will visit the United States on Nov. 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-donald-trumps-decision-to-abandon-kurdish-fighters-in-syria-means-for-the-kurds-assad-and-russia-254574">US&nbsp;troops had started to withdraw </a>after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;and US&nbsp;officials on the matter would continue.

"Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US&nbsp;forces&nbsp;in northern&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;out of the path of potential&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;incursion to ensure their safety," US&nbsp;Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northeast&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has rattled allies, including France, one of Washington's main partners in the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State.

Russia,&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad's strongest foreign ally, said it was not told in advance by Washington or Turkey about any agreements to pull US&nbsp;troops.

Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians.

Kurdish-led&nbsp;forces&nbsp;have denounced the US&nbsp;policy shift as a "stab in the back".

Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led&nbsp;forces&nbsp;said they might start talks with the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US&nbsp;withdrawal.

Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish&nbsp;forces, the most effective US&nbsp;partners in fighting Islamic State in&nbsp;Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in&nbsp;Syria.

Near the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;border town of Akcakale, across&nbsp;from&nbsp;Syria's Tel Abyad, a Reuters witness saw howitzers placed behind earth embankments on Turkey's side of the border, pointed towards&nbsp;Syria.

Some 60 km (40 miles) to the west, multiple launch rocket systems mounted on two trucks were deployed behind earth embankments near Suruc, opposite the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;border town of Kobani. Artillery was also stationed in the area, and soldiers wandered around a nearby&nbsp;military&nbsp;camp.

Mustafa Bali of the Kurdish-led&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;(SDF) said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-deploys-tank-convoy-heavy-machinery-buses-carrying-soldiers-to-syrian-border-254628">Turkish&nbsp;military&nbsp;buildup</a>, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent".

Turkish forces, together with the rebel Free Syrian Army, will cross the Syrian border "shortly", President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director said early on Wednesday, as a surprise withdrawal of US troops made way for the Turkish incursion.

Turkish forces, together with the rebel Free Syrian Army, will cross the Syrian border "shortly", President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director said early on Wednesday, as a surprise withdrawal of US troops made way for the Turkish incursion. Turkey has been poised to advance into northeast Syria since the US troops began vacating the area in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. On Tuesday, Turkish officials told Reuters that the military had struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce the region, though details of the strikes were hazy. President Erdogan's aide Fahrettin Altun said that fighters from the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria could either defect or Ankara would have to "stop them from disrupting" Turkey's struggle against the Islamic State militants. "The Turkish military, together with the Free Syrian Army, will cross the Turkish-Syrian border shortly," Altun said in a tweet extracted from a column written by him which was published in the Washington Post. "Turkey has no ambition in northeastern Syria except to neutralize a long-standing threat against Turkish citizens and to liberate the local population from the yoke of armed thugs," the column said.Turkey has said it intends to create a "safe zone" in order to return millions of refugees to Syrian soil, but the scheme has alarmed some Western allies as much as the risks posed by the military operation itself. For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat. The US withdrawal from the area will leave Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Erdogan will visit the United States on Nov. 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue. "Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northeast Syria has rattled allies, including France, one of Washington's main partners in the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State. Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's strongest foreign ally, said it was not told in advance by Washington or Turkey about any agreements to pull US troops. Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians. Kurdish-led forces have denounced the US policy shift as a "stab in the back". Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led forces said they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US withdrawal. Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in Syria. Near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad, a Reuters witness saw howitzers placed behind earth embankments on Turkey's side of the border, pointed towards Syria. Some 60 km (40 miles) to the west, multiple launch rocket systems mounted on two trucks were deployed behind earth embankments near Suruc, opposite the Syrian border town of Kobani. Artillery was also stationed in the area, and soldiers wandered around a nearby military camp. Mustafa Bali of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the Turkish military buildup, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent".

Turkish military, Syrian rebel forces to cross into Syria 'shortly': Erdogan's aide

A large crowd of protesters turned up to in Tal Abyad to oppose Turkey's military operations. Protesters also chanted slogans against Turkey's incursion. All protesters blamed President Erdogan for the Syrian crisis.

Tal Abyad: Large crowd of protesters turned up to oppose Turkey's military operations

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-opposes-syria-military-action-javad-zarif-tells-turkey-254396"> United States began pulling back troops</a>, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US President Donald Trump warned he<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-turkeys-economy-over-syria-254345"> would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy</a> if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US withdrawal will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency inside Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disaster-in-the-making-top-republicans-outraged-over-trump-pullback-in-syria-254361">Trump's warning on Turkey's economy</a> appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorism threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a 151 billion lira ($26 billion) construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 U.S. troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2% of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September. It stood at 5.8385 early on Tuesday.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US withdrawal will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency inside Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorism threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a 151 billion lira ($26 billion) construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 U.S. troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2% of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September. It stood at 5.8385 early on Tuesday.

All preparations for Syria operations completed, says Turkey

U.S. President warned Turkey against hurting U.S. soldiers during their operation. He said if any U.S. will get hurt then big trouble will be there to follow Turkey.

Trump threatens to 'decimate' Turkey's economy if it harms US troops, allies

As US troops began pulling out from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-united-states-spar-over-syrian-operation-kurdish-forces-feel-vulnerable-254450">northeast Syrian border</a>, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we Abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters. Likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and Trading partner, has been very good. Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181553630354259968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters," the US president said, adding, "likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and trading partner, has been very good."&nbsp;

"Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully understands that while we only had 50 soldiers remaining in that section of Syria, and they have been removed, any unforced or unnecessary fighting by Turkey will be devastating to their economy and to their very fragile currency," the US president said.&nbsp;

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So many people conveniently forget that Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States, in fact they make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter Jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province, and returning, in very.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181547331822456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are helping the Kurds financially/weapons! Trump added.

The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had accused the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-preparations-for-syria-operations-completed-says-turkey-254414">US of reneging on an ally</a>, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the Islamic State.

Trump on Sunday threatened that the US would "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" as the US troops withdraw from the region. However, in a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, Trump said Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-united-states-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria-254350/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"They make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province," Trump said. In the tweet, the US president thanked Turkey for returning Pastor Brunson at his request while stating that, "Turkey is an important member in good standing of NATO."

The White House had said earlier that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As US troops began pulling out from northeast Syrian border, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned".

As US troops began pulling out from northeast Syrian border, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned". We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we Abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters. Likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and Trading partner, has been very good. Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2019 × "We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters," the US president said, adding, "likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and trading partner, has been very good." "Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully understands that while we only had 50 soldiers remaining in that section of Syria, and they have been removed, any unforced or unnecessary fighting by Turkey will be devastating to their economy and to their very fragile currency," the US president said. So many people conveniently forget that Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States, in fact they make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter Jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province, and returning, in very..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2019 × "We are helping the Kurds financially/weapons! Trump added. The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had accused the US of reneging on an ally, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the Islamic State. Trump on Sunday threatened that the US would "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" as the US troops withdraw from the region. However, in a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, Trump said Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States. Watch Video: "They make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province," Trump said. In the tweet, the US president thanked Turkey for returning Pastor Brunson at his request while stating that, "Turkey is an important member in good standing of NATO." The White House had said earlier that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces.

We may be in process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds: Trump

By Ali Bilgic

In a move likely to further destabilise the situation in Syria and the Middle East, Donald Trump appeared to give Turkey the green light on October 6 for a military operation into northern Syria. The area is currently controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, or YPG, who the US worked closely within the battle to defeat Islamic State (IS). Kurdish forces described Trump’s decision to pull US troops out of the area as a “stab in the back”.

Amid mounting criticism of the decision, Trump appeared to pull back, taking to Twitter to warn Turkey not to go too far in its operation. US security officials insisted the administration did not endorse or support the Turkish operation. However, Turkey said its preparations were complete for the military campaign, which aims to establish a “safe zone” along the Turkish-Syria border.

Trump’s decision to withdraw troops appeared to be underlined by his dissatisfaction with European allies who haven’t taken back their citizens from the region. The White House said, it wanted to avoid spending more money from American taxpayers on holding captured IS fighters. During a phone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump reportedly agreed with the Turkish president that Turkey would take charge of these captured fighters.

Relations between Turkey and the US have long been strained by American support for Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey believes they are directly connected to the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group recognised as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union.

Yet Turkey could find itself in a quagmire that involves a guerrilla warfare waged by the Kurdish forces. According to the Anatolian Agency, Turkey’s official news agency, the PKK is already present in northern Syria. If Turkey goes ahead with a campaign, it will extend the 40-year long conflict between the Turkish military, NATO’s second-biggest army, and the PKK beyond Turkey’s borders. However, unlike in previous decades, the PKK will be backed by the YPG, long trained in active combat.

Assad’s next move

It’s unclear how Bashar al Assad and his regime in Damascus will react to a planned Turkish incursion into northern Syria. One possibility is that Assad government forces, backed by Russia, could take advantage of the situation and advance from the south into the Kurdish region. This will force the Kurds to fight on two fronts at the same time – something they are unlikely to survive.

There is another possibility. If the Kurdish political forces are successful in negotiating a deal with Damascus to set up a federal government system, like in Iraq, in Syria, these two forces could unite against the “foreign invader”. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in September, the Syrian foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, already called for the withdrawal of American and Turkish forces in Syria.

Some Kurdish militia in northern Iraq could also join the YPG in a future conflict against Turkey. In March 2019, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan from Iraq announced its potential support in case of an attack. Such moves would likely disturb stability in northern Iraq, which has had amicable relations with Turkey.

Fate of refugees

The Kurdish region in northern Syria, also known as Rojova, has been one of the most stable in the country throughout the Syrian war. It has provided shelter to those who escaped from IS, Assad forces, and extremist factions within the Free Syrian Army, such as Al Qaeda affiliates.

The destabilisation of the region will likely trigger a new wave of migration from Syria towards northern Iraq and potentially Turkey. Since an informal agreement between the US and Turkey in August to create safe zones in northern Syria, tens of thousands have already fled from Idlib to the Turkish border anticipating a new conflict in the region.

Turkey, which currently hosts more than 3m Syrian refugees, has recently introduced stricter policies and regulations that aim to return some of these refugees to Syria. Erdoğan plans to repatriate them to any safe zone it manages to set up, so it’s unlikely Turkey will accept and host new waves of refugees from Syria. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, refugees will be forced to take irregular migration channels to Europe via Turkey and north Africa.

Russia’s next move is also crucial. The Kremlin, which recognises Turkey’s right to defend itself, also emphasises the need to protect Syria’s “territorial integrity”. Russia has been careful not to alienate the Kurds in Syria completely.

If the Kurds, who feel betrayed and abandoned by the US, move closer to Russia as a guarantor of their autonomy in a federal Syria, this could play in to the Americans’ hands by threatening the growing rapprochement between Turkey and Russia. However, a post-war Syria with a federal system that includes the Kurds and a consolidated Assad regime could strengthen the Russia-Iran bloc in the region, which will disturb both Israel and Saudi Arabia, crucial partners and allies of the US.

The next few weeks and months will determine the fate of Rojova, which will be pressured by both Turkish and Assad forces. Alongside the Kurds, the ethnic and religious groups, such as the Assyrians and Yazidis, who have found shelter in Rojova, will go through a dangerous period. And the cells of defeated IS fighters will be waiting for the opportunity derived from this crisis.

(Ali Bilgic is Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Loughborough University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-donald-trumps-decision-to-abandon-kurdish-fighters-in-syria-means-for-the-kurds-assad-and-russia-124815">original article</a>)

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Ali Bilgic In a move likely to further destabilise the situation in Syria and the Middle East, Donald Trump appeared to give Turkey the green light on October 6 for a military operation into northern Syria.

By Ali Bilgic In a move likely to further destabilise the situation in Syria and the Middle East, Donald Trump appeared to give Turkey the green light on October 6 for a military operation into northern Syria. The area is currently controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, or YPG, who the US worked closely within the battle to defeat Islamic State (IS). Kurdish forces described Trump’s decision to pull US troops out of the area as a “stab in the back”. Amid mounting criticism of the decision, Trump appeared to pull back, taking to Twitter to warn Turkey not to go too far in its operation. US security officials insisted the administration did not endorse or support the Turkish operation. However, Turkey said its preparations were complete for the military campaign, which aims to establish a “safe zone” along the Turkish-Syria border. Trump’s decision to withdraw troops appeared to be underlined by his dissatisfaction with European allies who haven’t taken back their citizens from the region. The White House said, it wanted to avoid spending more money from American taxpayers on holding captured IS fighters. During a phone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump reportedly agreed with the Turkish president that Turkey would take charge of these captured fighters. Relations between Turkey and the US have long been strained by American support for Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey believes they are directly connected to the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group recognised as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union. Yet Turkey could find itself in a quagmire that involves a guerrilla warfare waged by the Kurdish forces. According to the Anatolian Agency, Turkey’s official news agency, the PKK is already present in northern Syria. If Turkey goes ahead with a campaign, it will extend the 40-year long conflict between the Turkish military, NATO’s second-biggest army, and the PKK beyond Turkey’s borders. However, unlike in previous decades, the PKK will be backed by the YPG, long trained in active combat. Assad’s next move It’s unclear how Bashar al Assad and his regime in Damascus will react to a planned Turkish incursion into northern Syria. One possibility is that Assad government forces, backed by Russia, could take advantage of the situation and advance from the south into the Kurdish region. This will force the Kurds to fight on two fronts at the same time – something they are unlikely to survive. There is another possibility. If the Kurdish political forces are successful in negotiating a deal with Damascus to set up a federal government system, like in Iraq, in Syria, these two forces could unite against the “foreign invader”. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in September, the Syrian foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, already called for the withdrawal of American and Turkish forces in Syria. Some Kurdish militia in northern Iraq could also join the YPG in a future conflict against Turkey. In March 2019, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan from Iraq announced its potential support in case of an attack. Such moves would likely disturb stability in northern Iraq, which has had amicable relations with Turkey. Fate of refugees The Kurdish region in northern Syria, also known as Rojova, has been one of the most stable in the country throughout the Syrian war. It has provided shelter to those who escaped from IS, Assad forces, and extremist factions within the Free Syrian Army, such as Al Qaeda affiliates. The destabilisation of the region will likely trigger a new wave of migration from Syria towards northern Iraq and potentially Turkey. Since an informal agreement between the US and Turkey in August to create safe zones in northern Syria, tens of thousands have already fled from Idlib to the Turkish border anticipating a new conflict in the region. Turkey, which currently hosts more than 3m Syrian refugees, has recently introduced stricter policies and regulations that aim to return some of these refugees to Syria. Erdoğan plans to repatriate them to any safe zone it manages to set up, so it’s unlikely Turkey will accept and host new waves of refugees from Syria. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, refugees will be forced to take irregular migration channels to Europe via Turkey and north Africa. Russia’s next move is also crucial. The Kremlin, which recognises Turkey’s right to defend itself, also emphasises the need to protect Syria’s “territorial integrity”. Russia has been careful not to alienate the Kurds in Syria completely. If the Kurds, who feel betrayed and abandoned by the US, move closer to Russia as a guarantor of their autonomy in a federal Syria, this could play in to the Americans’ hands by threatening the growing rapprochement between Turkey and Russia. However, a post-war Syria with a federal system that includes the Kurds and a consolidated Assad regime could strengthen the Russia-Iran bloc in the region, which will disturb both Israel and Saudi Arabia, crucial partners and allies of the US. The next few weeks and months will determine the fate of Rojova, which will be pressured by both Turkish and Assad forces. Alongside the Kurds, the ethnic and religious groups, such as the Assyrians and Yazidis, who have found shelter in Rojova, will go through a dangerous period. And the cells of defeated IS fighters will be waiting for the opportunity derived from this crisis. (Ali Bilgic is Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Loughborough University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What Donald Trump’s decision to abandon Kurdish fighters in Syria means for the Kurds, Assad and Russia

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US&nbsp;move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria.

US&nbsp;forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US&nbsp;official said.

Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

'Red flag'

His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics.

"Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag."

"The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added.

The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back".

Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon".

"Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters.

The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said.

The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US&nbsp;troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria. US forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US official said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. 'Red flag' His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics. "Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag." "The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added. The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back". Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon". "Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters. The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said. The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure. Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey says Syria attack plans complete, Trump delivers threat

A Major Crisis In Brewing In West Asia. U.S. Backs Turkey's Operations Against The Kurdish Forces. The kurdish forces were the most reliable partner of the U.S. in its fight against the Islamic state. But after the defeat of the ISIS, U.S. has dumped its ally. U.S. backs Turkey's operations against the Kurdish forces. Here's a ground report from the Syria-Turkey border.

Gravitas: United States To Withdraw Troops From Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-discuss-proposed-safe-zone-in-northeastern-syria-over-phone-call-254137">US troops in northern Syria</a> will no longer be near the border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-launch-military-operation-in-northeast-syria-254000">Turkey</a>, nor will they support Ankara's "long-planned operation" into the country, the White House said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-children-become-victims-of-chemical-attack-in-syria-220">In pictures: Children become victims of 'chemical attack' in Syria</a>

"Turkey will soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria. The United States Armed Forces will not support or be involved in the operation, and United States forces, having defeated the ISIS territorial 'Caliphate,' will no longer be in the immediate area," the White House said, using another acronym for the Islamic State (IS) group.

The statement, which followed US President Donald Trump's phone call with his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, also criticized "France, Germany, and other European nations" for not repatriating their citizens detained in northern Syria who had joined IS.

"Turkey will now be responsible for all ISIS fighters in the area captured over the past two years in the wake of the defeat of the territorial 'Caliphate' by the United States," the statement said.

Earlier on Sunday, Erdogan and Trump agreed during a phone call to meet in Washington next month to discuss creating a "safe zone" in northern Syria, the Turkish presidency said.

Erdogan also expressed his "frustration over the US military and security bureaucracy's failure" to implement an August deal establishing a buffer zone on the Turkish border.

The day before, the Turkish leader warned that Ankara could launch a cross-border offensive "as soon as today, tomorrow."

Washington had previously sought to stop any Turkish operation against a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia viewed by Ankara as a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

The US worked closely with the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia to recapture swathes of territory from the IS jihadists.

US troops in northern Syria will no longer be near the border with Turkey, nor will they support Ankara's "long-planned operation" into the country, the White House said on Sunday.

US troops in northern Syria will no longer be near the border with Turkey, nor will they support Ankara's "long-planned operation" into the country, the White House said on Sunday. In pictures: Children become victims of 'chemical attack' in Syria "Turkey will soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria. The United States Armed Forces will not support or be involved in the operation, and United States forces, having defeated the ISIS territorial 'Caliphate,' will no longer be in the immediate area," the White House said, using another acronym for the Islamic State (IS) group. The statement, which followed US President Donald Trump's phone call with his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, also criticized "France, Germany, and other European nations" for not repatriating their citizens detained in northern Syria who had joined IS. "Turkey will now be responsible for all ISIS fighters in the area captured over the past two years in the wake of the defeat of the territorial 'Caliphate' by the United States," the statement said. Earlier on Sunday, Erdogan and Trump agreed during a phone call to meet in Washington next month to discuss creating a "safe zone" in northern Syria, the Turkish presidency said. Erdogan also expressed his "frustration over the US military and security bureaucracy's failure" to implement an August deal establishing a buffer zone on the Turkish border. The day before, the Turkish leader warned that Ankara could launch a cross-border offensive "as soon as today, tomorrow." Washington had previously sought to stop any Turkish operation against a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia viewed by Ankara as a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish militants in Turkey. The US worked closely with the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia to recapture swathes of territory from the IS jihadists.

American troops to withdraw as Turkey launches Syria operation: White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-trump-to-produce-tax-returns-president-appeals-254340">United States&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

The withdrawal, announced by the White House late on Sunday, was swiftly condemned by a bipartisan group of lawmakers over concerns that it could open the way for a Turkish strike on Kurdish-led forces long allied with Washington.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

The United States began pulling troops back from the northeast Syrian border on Monday.

The major policy shift was denounced as a "stab in the back" by Kurdish-led forces who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-discuss-proposed-safe-zone-in-northeastern-syria-over-phone-call-254137">The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Washington of reneging on an ally</a>, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the militants.

The White House statement on Sunday appeared to hand Turkey responsibility for Islamic State captives who are held in SDF facilities south of Turkey's initially proposed safe zone

United States President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria. The withdrawal, announced by the White House late on Sunday, was swiftly condemned by a bipartisan group of lawmakers over concerns that it could open the way for a Turkish strike on Kurdish-led forces long allied with Washington. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. The United States began pulling troops back from the northeast Syrian border on Monday. The major policy shift was denounced as a "stab in the back" by Kurdish-led forces who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria. The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Washington of reneging on an ally, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the militants. The White House statement on Sunday appeared to hand Turkey responsibility for Islamic State captives who are held in SDF facilities south of Turkey's initially proposed safe zone

US President Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Turkey's economy over Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-raises-pitch-india-reaffirms-support-for-cyprus-territorial-integrity-252329">Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones</a>, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters.

Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey.

Israel's Aeronautics that makes the Aerostar Tactical UAS (TUAS), a drone with a wingspan of 8.7 metres, contacted by AFP, would not confirm the sale, citing company policy to not divulge the identity of clients.

EU member Cyprus last week accused Turkey of defying the bloc by sending another drilling ship to operate inside its waters.

Nicosia said Turkey has sent the drillship Yavuz inside block 7 of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, a zone licensed to Italy’s Eni and France’s Total in an agreement signed last month.

According to the Cyprus government, the area where the Turkish vessel is operating is clearly defined under international law as Cypriot territorial waters.

Washington and Brussels have urged Turkey to withdraw the vessels from Cypriot waters, with the EU imposing sanctions on Ankara.

Turkey, which has now sent three drillships off Cyprus, is opposed to Nicosia’s energy exploration plans and wants a say in the development of hydrocarbons in the region.

Ankara also demands Turkish Cypriots on the divided island have their share of the profits from natural gas but argues a Cyprus solution must be found first.

Turkey has had troops stationed in the country since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters. Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey.

Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters. Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey. Israel's Aeronautics that makes the Aerostar Tactical UAS (TUAS), a drone with a wingspan of 8.7 metres, contacted by AFP, would not confirm the sale, citing company policy to not divulge the identity of clients. EU member Cyprus last week accused Turkey of defying the bloc by sending another drilling ship to operate inside its waters. Nicosia said Turkey has sent the drillship Yavuz inside block 7 of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, a zone licensed to Italy’s Eni and France’s Total in an agreement signed last month. According to the Cyprus government, the area where the Turkish vessel is operating is clearly defined under international law as Cypriot territorial waters. Washington and Brussels have urged Turkey to withdraw the vessels from Cypriot waters, with the EU imposing sanctions on Ankara. Turkey, which has now sent three drillships off Cyprus, is opposed to Nicosia’s energy exploration plans and wants a say in the development of hydrocarbons in the region. Ankara also demands Turkish Cypriots on the divided island have their share of the profits from natural gas but argues a Cyprus solution must be found first. Turkey has had troops stationed in the country since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

Cyprus buys Israel drones to monitor waters amid Turkey tensions

The move marks a major shift in US foreign policy and effectively gives Turkey the green light to attack US-backed Kurdish forces

Turkey to send troops into northern Syria

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-launch-military-operation-in-northeast-syria-254000">Turkey against threats of an offensive</a> issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ankara had reiterated on Saturday an oft-repeated threat to launch an "air and ground" operation in Syria against a Kurdish militia it deems a terrorist group.

Erdogan has said that his country's patience was wearing thin after Turkish and American officials agreed in August to establish a buffer zone meant to separate the Turkish border from Kurdish territories in northern Syria.&nbsp;

"Down with Erdogan", "Down with the occupation", chanted protestors amassed on the border near the town of Ras al-Ain, an AFP correspondent said.

Protestors marched several kilometres to reach a base near Tel Arqam, held by the US-led international coalition which is allied with Kurdish-led forces against Islamic State (IS) jihadists, the correspondent added.

"We will not abandon our land and we will stay here but we do not want war," said Ahmed Mohamed Salem, a 52-year-old protestor.&nbsp;

Erdogan had reiterated the threat of an offensive on Saturday.

"We've made our preparations, completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions," Erdogan said during a televised speech, adding that the offensive could start "as soon as today, tomorrow".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-renews-syria-air-and-ground-operation-threat-253960">Kurdish authorities decried Erdogan's comments</a>, insisting on Saturday that the "international community (must) put pressure on Turkey to stop it from carrying out any aggression".

In the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and Kobane, all bordering Turkey, local forces have dug trenches and tunnels in preparation for a Turkish offensive, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In mid-September, the US-led coalition had said that "good progress" was being made in implementing the buffer zone.

The zone was agreed in August between Turkey and the US, and it involves creating a buffer between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, considered a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey by Ankara.&nbsp;

The US and Turkey have conducted three joint patrols as part of the deal, most recently on October 4.&nbsp;

In parallel, the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has said its forces had dismantled fortifications and started to withdraw from outposts on the border, including in the Ras al-Ain area.

If it takes place, Turkey's cross-border operation would be the third in Syria in recent years, after it launched offensives against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018.&nbsp;

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with Turkey against threats of an offensive issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Thousands demonstrated on Sunday in a predominantly Kurdish area on the Syrian border with Turkey against threats of an offensive issued the day before by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ankara had reiterated on Saturday an oft-repeated threat to launch an "air and ground" operation in Syria against a Kurdish militia it deems a terrorist group. Erdogan has said that his country's patience was wearing thin after Turkish and American officials agreed in August to establish a buffer zone meant to separate the Turkish border from Kurdish territories in northern Syria. "Down with Erdogan", "Down with the occupation", chanted protestors amassed on the border near the town of Ras al-Ain, an AFP correspondent said. Protestors marched several kilometres to reach a base near Tel Arqam, held by the US-led international coalition which is allied with Kurdish-led forces against Islamic State (IS) jihadists, the correspondent added. "We will not abandon our land and we will stay here but we do not want war," said Ahmed Mohamed Salem, a 52-year-old protestor. Erdogan had reiterated the threat of an offensive on Saturday. "We've made our preparations, completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions," Erdogan said during a televised speech, adding that the offensive could start "as soon as today, tomorrow". Kurdish authorities decried Erdogan's comments, insisting on Saturday that the "international community (must) put pressure on Turkey to stop it from carrying out any aggression". In the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and Kobane, all bordering Turkey, local forces have dug trenches and tunnels in preparation for a Turkish offensive, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Sunday. In mid-September, the US-led coalition had said that "good progress" was being made in implementing the buffer zone. The zone was agreed in August between Turkey and the US, and it involves creating a buffer between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, considered a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey by Ankara. The US and Turkey have conducted three joint patrols as part of the deal, most recently on October 4. In parallel, the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has said its forces had dismantled fortifications and started to withdraw from outposts on the border, including in the Ras al-Ain area. If it takes place, Turkey's cross-border operation would be the third in Syria in recent years, after it launched offensives against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018.

Kurds protest in Syria against Turkish offensive threat

India on Friday slammed statements made by Turkey and Malaysia at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week on Jammu and Kashmir. While regretting the developments, New Delhi said, the statements by Ankara and Kuala Lumpur are not based on facts.

Responding to a WION's question during weekly MEA presser on Turkey said, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Deeply regret that since 6th of August there have been repeated statements by the Turkish government on a matter which is completely internal to India. These statements are factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted."

"We call on govt of turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements," he added.&nbsp;

Turkish President Erdogan in New York last week said, "Despite the resolutions adopted by the UNSC, Kashmir is still besieged and eight million people are still stuck in Kashmir"

On Malaysia, MEA said, "We have had traditionally, good and friendly ties with Malaysia. We were quite surprised and deeply regret the comments made by PM of Malaysia. It not based on facts" and asked the country to "desist from making such statements"

Last week, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accused India of "invading and occupying" Jammu and Kashmir in New York.

Stating India's position, MEA reminded that the "state of J&amp;K signed the instrument of accession" like all other princely states after British left the subcontinent and Pakistan "invaded &amp; occupied" parts of J&amp;K, a fact "recognised by United Nations". It also reiterated that the current development of removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a "purely internal matter of India."

Only 3 countries--Malaysia, Turkey and China raised Kashmir at UNGA in New York last week, with India reacting to all three. All three countries have close ties with Islamabad, with China building a massive infrastructure project China Pakistan economic corridor that passes through the South Asian country.&nbsp;

India has also slammed China for raising Kashmir at UNGA, saying that the China Pakistan economic corridor is changing the status quo of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

India on Friday slammed statements made by Turkey and Malaysia at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week on Jammu and Kashmir. While regretting the developments, New Delhi said, the statements by Ankara and Kuala Lumpur are not based on facts.

India on Friday slammed statements made by Turkey and Malaysia at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week on Jammu and Kashmir. While regretting the developments, New Delhi said, the statements by Ankara and Kuala Lumpur are not based on facts. Responding to a WION's question during weekly MEA presser on Turkey said, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Deeply regret that since 6th of August there have been repeated statements by the Turkish government on a matter which is completely internal to India. These statements are factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted." "We call on govt of turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements," he added. Turkish President Erdogan in New York last week said, "Despite the resolutions adopted by the UNSC, Kashmir is still besieged and eight million people are still stuck in Kashmir" On Malaysia, MEA said, "We have had traditionally, good and friendly ties with Malaysia. We were quite surprised and deeply regret the comments made by PM of Malaysia. It not based on facts" and asked the country to "desist from making such statements" Last week, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accused India of "invading and occupying" Jammu and Kashmir in New York. Stating India's position, MEA reminded that the "state of J&K signed the instrument of accession" like all other princely states after British left the subcontinent and Pakistan "invaded & occupied" parts of J&K, a fact "recognised by United Nations". It also reiterated that the current development of removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a "purely internal matter of India." Only 3 countries--Malaysia, Turkey and China raised Kashmir at UNGA in New York last week, with India reacting to all three. All three countries have close ties with Islamabad, with China building a massive infrastructure project China Pakistan economic corridor that passes through the South Asian country. India has also slammed China for raising Kashmir at UNGA, saying that the China Pakistan economic corridor is changing the status quo of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

India slams Turkey, Malaysia for raising Kashmir issue at United Nations

Reacting to Turkey raising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youth-from-jammu-and-kashmir-line-up-to-join-indian-army-in-srinagar-253536">Kashmir </a>issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indian Ministry of External Affairs briefs media

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Reiterating that it is an internal issue of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We call upon the Turkey government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements on this issue. It is a matter which is completely internal to India."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had raked up the issue during his address at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-slams-china-at-unga-for-building-road-in-pok-asserts-jk-situation-internal-matter-252608">UNGA</a> in New York recently. India had vowed not to talk about the issue during the UNGA session in light of the matter being completely sovereign in nature.

Reacting to Turkey raising the Kashmir issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it.

Reacting to Turkey raising the Kashmir issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it. Watch Video: Indian Ministry of External Affairs briefs media × Reiterating that it is an internal issue of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We call upon the Turkey government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements on this issue. It is a matter which is completely internal to India." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had raked up the issue during his address at the UNGA in New York recently. India had vowed not to talk about the issue during the UNGA session in light of the matter being completely sovereign in nature.

Turkey should get proper understanding of ground situation in J-K, says MEA

In an exclusive conversation WION, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan talks about Turkey's stand on Jammu and Kashmir.

What's driving Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's J&K obsession?

Pakistan shares a decent history of its ties with Turkey. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan-Turkey shares a decent history of ties since 1947: An analyisis

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