Turkey Succeeds in Advancing Its Interests in Syria

• 03.14.2018, 18:27
•  Region,  Near East,  World

Middle East Eye

Turkey continues its operation in Syria causing disorder and chaos in the country. Today it was reported that the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels have surrounded the city of Afrin in northern Syria. It is said that the surrounding of Afrin city is a key step in Turkey's seven-week operation Olive Branch launched on January 20, France24 reports. 

From the very start of the operation it was obvious that amid the peace talks on the Syrian crisis the steps of Turkish authorities will undermine the negotiations and intensify the situation in Syria. However, except several statements made by various states, no real step or actions was carried out to stop Turkey from these military actions. As a result of the inaction of the international community a total of 3,393 militants have been killed since the start of the operation. Moreover, there have been many losses among the civilians as well. According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, more than 230 civilians, including 35 children, have also been killed and 688 civilians wounded, BBC reports. The Turkish military, however, denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure, 

It should be mentioned that as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group informs, Turkish-led forces have besieged Afrin, 90 villages and a nearby town and the only road out is in range of Turkish artillery fire, therefore impassable.

"Right now, Afrin city center is surrounded. We're in Afrin today, Manbij tomorrow," Erdogan claimed, adding they would not stop until they have reached the Iraqi border. We will make sure the east of the Euphrates until the Iraqi border is cleansed of every terrorist group," Erdogan said, Rudaw.net reports, giving an answer to the question that is voiced today by many: "So, what is the next step?" 

In regard with Manbij, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu have already come up with a statement. He has declared that together with the US they will discuss the issue of Manbij and the withdrawal of YPG militants from the town, otherwise Turkey will go ahead with its military operations, Hurriyet reports. 

It is noteworthy that Cavusoglu was going to hold talks about the issue with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on March 19. However, as it was reported Trump replaced Tillerson with the director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo and it is difficult to say in what direction the developments will go.

Nevertheless, it is obvious that with difficulties, but Turkey succeeds in advancing it interests in Syria and neutralizing the possible threats to the country, or more specifically to Erdogan and his sultanate.