ANKARA: Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes on multiple sites in northern Syria believed to be used by U.S.-backed Kurdish militant groups. The action followed the shooting down of an armed Turkish drone by the U.S. military after it came within 500 meters of American troops.
According to a statement from the Turkish defense ministry, the airstrikes targeted approximately 30 sites in the Tal Rifat, Jazeera, and Derik regions. The strikes aimed to destroy caves, bunkers, shelters, and warehouses utilized by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) or its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, known as the People’s Defense Units (YPG).
The motivation behind the Turkish strikes is rooted in their response to a suicide attack outside the Interior Ministry building in the Turkish capital earlier that week, which was claimed by the PKK. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that the assailants arrived from Syria, indicating that PKK and YPG positions in both Iraq and Syria were now viewed as legitimate targets.
However, Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria contested Turkey’s actions, reporting that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including both civilians and members of the local government’s Internal Security Forces. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group in northeast Syria, denied any connection to the Ankara attack and accused Turkey of using the incident as a pretext for a new military incursion.
In response to the drone incident, the Pentagon emphasized the importance of protecting U.S. forces and stated that the decision to shoot down the Turkish drone was based on due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense. The incident occurred on the same day as a drone attack in the Syrian city of Homs, resulting in a significant loss of life during a military graduation ceremony.
Operation to secure Turkey’s borders
Turkey’s defense ministry clarified that their aerial operation aimed to secure Turkey’s borders from threats posed by the PKK and YPG. Additionally, they reported retaliatory action against an attack by militants on a Turkish base in the Dabik region, neutralizing 26 militants.
This series of events underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, where various parties hold differing views on the activities and affiliations of Kurdish militant groups. The situation remains tense, highlighting the critical need for diplomacy and de-escalation efforts to ensure the safety of both civilian populations and military personnel.
