Russia Begins Operations in Syria: End Game for the US Empire?

[angelburst29]

NSC Official: US Sees Kurdish Nation Another Israel in Region
The US should never stop support for Kurdish militias in the Middle East as a Kurdish nation across Syria, Iraq and Turkey would be "another Israel in the region", a National Security Council official stated after President Donald Trump gave a green light to Ankara to launch a military operation against Washington's long-time Kurdish allies in Northern Syria

"To be honest with you, it would be better for the United States to support a Kurdish nation across Turkey, Syria and Iraq," the unnamed National Security Council official told Newsweek, adding, "It would be another Israel in the region."

Israel uneasy over Trump's refusal to stand by Kurds

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to stand aside as Turkey sends troops into Syria and fights Kurds allied with Washington has some Israelis wondering whether they too might eventually pay a price for his impatience with Middle East engagements.

Netanyahu condemns 'Turkish invasion of Kurdish areas' in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned Turkey's military incursion against a Kurdish militia in northeast Syria and cautioned about the possibility of ethnic cleansing. (... you mean - like in Gaza - and in Palestine?)

Israel Worried by Trump's Betrayal to Kurds

President Donald Trump’s abrupt order to withdraw American troops from Syria in the shadow of Turkish assault against Kurds set off alarm bells among Israeli officials who fear the United States might stop standing up for the Tel Aviv.

In a challenging article for The New York Time, titled "Israelis Watch US Abandon Kurds, and Worry: Who’s Next?", David M. Halbfinger said, "If such a betrayal could befall the Kurds, Israelis from across the political spectrum are suddenly asking, what prevents the same from befalling another staunch American ally?".

Halbfinger echoes the Shimon Shiffer's stance in a column in Yediot Ahronot, Israel’s biggest mainstream paper.

“A knife in our back,” screamed the headline over the column. “The conclusion we draw needs to be unequivocal: Trump has become unreliable for Israel. He can no longer be trusted,” the column read.

Damascus Slams Turkey's Planned Military Encroachment in Syria as Aggressive Violation of Intl Law

Damascus condemned Turkey's upcoming military operation in Syria as aggression and a violation of international law, as Ankara has begun amassing its military forces near the Syrian border as part of final preparations for the offensive in its Northern neighbor announced over the weekend.

Syria says no dialogue with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces who 'betrayed' their country

Syria's deputy foreign minister Faisal Maqdad on Thursday attacked U.S.-backed Kurdish led forces saying they had betrayed their country and accused them of a separatist agenda that gave Turkey a pretext to violate his country's sovereignty.

Trump says talking to 'both sides' as Turkey presses offensive against Kurds in Syria

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was talking to "both sides" as Turkey pressed its offensive against U.S.-allied Kurds in Syria, and warned Ankara that it would be hit hard financially if it did not "play by the rules."

Turkish Invasion of Syria Met with Worldwide Condemnation

Ankara’s operation against Kurdish militias in Northeastern Syria has been criticized across Europe and the Middle East, as one country after another sounded the alarm over the impact on the Syrian peace process.

Europeans Strongly Slam Turkey's Assault on Kurds as US Keeps Mum on Slaughtering of Its Partner

European countries expressed outrage at Ankara's military operation against the Kurdish militias in Northern Syria as Washington continued silence over the massive air and ground assault the United States' long-time ally in the so-called anti-terror campaign against the Islamic States of Iraq and Levant (ISIL or ISIS) in the Arab country.

Turkey must show restraint in Syria, NATO chief says

NATO expects Turkey to show restraint in its military operations in northern Syria, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

Turkish minister says France's Macron wants to divide Syria

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday accused French President Emmanuel Macron of wanting to divide Syria, after France criticized Ankara's military operation against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria.

Turkish offensive will not go beyond 30 km into Syria: foreign minister

Turkey's incursion will not go further than 30 km into northeast Syria, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, as Turkish forces pressed on against Kurdish fighters in the second day of the operation.

Russia's Lavrov discusses Turkey's Syria incursion with Iraq's president

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the Turkish military operation in Syria's northeast with Iraq's president by phone on Thursday, on Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said.

FarsNews Agency - Ankara Says Turkish Troops Enter Syria, Civilians Killed in Air Raids

Turkish army forces began ground operations in Northeastern Syria, and crossed into the country's territories on the Eastern bank of the Euphrates River, the Turkey's Defense Ministry announced, hours after Ankara kicked off its military operation against Kurdish militias in the war-torn country.

Kurdish Militias Call For Mobilization Against Turkey's Attacks

The Kurdish militias declared a three-day public mobilization in Northern and Northeastern Syria to confront the Turkish raids.
The so-called Autonomous Body of Kurds announced mobilization concurrent with the start of the Turkish Army's military operations against the Kurdish militias.

Thousands flee, hundreds reported dead in Turkish attack on U.S.-allied Kurds in Syria

Turkey pounded Kurdish militia in northeast Syria for a second day on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee and killing at least dozens of people in a cross-border assault on U.S. allies that has turned the Washington establishment against President Donald Trump.

Turkey says will be responsible for IS prisoners in Syria 'safe zone'

Turkey will take responsibility for Islamic State prisoners in a "safe zone" it aims to form in Syria after its military incursion there, the foreign minister said on Thursday, responding to fears the militants could escape in the chaos.

US Senators Announce Sanctions Against Erdogan, Turkish Military, Slam Trump's Decision to Abandon Kurds

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) on Wednesday announced that they have reached an agreement on new sanctions against Turkey after the country launched a military operation against Kurdish militias in Northern Syria.

U.S. House Republicans to seek sanctions on Turkey over Kurd offensive

Twenty-nine of President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives announced on Thursday they would introduce legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey, underscoring lawmakers unhappiness about its assault on Kurdish forces in Syria.

Trump says he hopes he can mediate between Turkey and the Kurds

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hopes he can mediate between Turkey and the Kurds following Turkey's offensive on U.S.-allied Kurds in northeast Syria.

U.S. warns Turkey of 'consequences' over Syria assault as U.N. Security Council meets
The United States warned Turkey at the United Nations on Thursday that it faced "consequences" if its assault against Kurdish militias in northeast Syria did not protect vulnerable populations or contain Islamic State militants.

In wake of Turkish offensive, France calls for urgent meeting of anti-Islamic State coalition

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called for an emergency meeting of the coalition created to fight Islamic State
to discuss Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militias in northern Syria.

 

[angelburst29]

Erdogan says 109 militants killed in Turkey's Syria incursion

Turkish forces who launched in incursion into northeast Syria have killed more than 100 militants, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

Islamic State will not have presence in northeast Syria: Erdogan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he guaranteed that Islamic State jihadists will not have a presence in northeast Syria after Turkey completes its offensive against a Kurdish militia in the region.

Turkey-backed Syrian rebels heading to fight Kurdish SDF in northeast border area: rebel spox

Turkey-backed Syrian rebel fighters are heading to battle fronts in northeastern Syria in support of Turkish troops who have crossed the countries' border, a spokesman for the rebels said on Thursday.

Turkey's Erdogan threatens to send Syrian refugees to Europe

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Ankara will send the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey to Europe if European countries label the country's military incursion in Syria as an occupation.

Russia says it will push for Turkish-Syrian dialogue: RIA

Russia plans to push for dialogue between the Syrian and Turkish governments following an incursion by Turkish troops into Syria, the RIA news agency cited Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on Thursday.

Hungary urges EU dialogue with Turkey to prevent new wave of migrants

The European Union should have a dialogue with Turkey despite Ankara's offensive on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, in order to avoid a fresh wave of migrants coming to Europe, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday.

Turkey shelled prison holding IS foreign fighters Kurdish-led administration

The Syrian Kurdish-led authorities accused Turkey of shelling a prison holding Islamic State (IS) militants of more than 60 nationalities,
calling this "a clear attempt" to help them escape.

Twelve wounded after shells hit Turkish border towns: Anadolu

Twelve people were wounded after rockets and mortar shells fired from Syria hit places in towns on the Turkish side of the border, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Thursday.

Turkish operation in Syria is 'unacceptable': Italian foreign minister

Turkey's offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria is "unacceptable", Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Thursday, calling for an immediate end to the fighting.

Iran says Turkish military must immediately end attacks in Syria and withdraw
Iran's foreign ministry called on Turkey on Thursday to immediately halt its military offensive in Syria and pull its forces out of that country.

As EU candidate, Turkey must align with EU foreign policy: Commission
Turkey must consider that its bid to join the European Union requires it to adhere to EU foreign policy, the bloc's executive Commission said on Thursday, again rejecting Ankara's military operation in northern Syria.

France summons Turkish envoy to Paris: diplomatic source
The French foreign ministry has summoned Turkey's ambassador to a meeting later on Thursday, a diplomatic source said, amid a wave of international criticism of Ankara's decision to send troops into northern Syria to attack a Kurdish militia.

Italy summons Turkish ambassador to protest over Syria operation
The Italian foreign ministry has summoned Turkey's ambassador to protest over Ankara's decision to send troops into northern Syria to attack a Kurdish militia, a ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Britain calls for restraint after Turkish incursion into Syria

Britain called for restraint on Thursday after Turkey's military incursion into Syria, warning that the move risked humanitarian suffering and undermining the fight against militants.

SDF: Nine dead in Turkish offensive in northeast Syria
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Thursday that Turkish air strikes and shelling had killed nine civilians in northeast Syria since the start of Ankara's offensive.

Turkish troops and Syrian rebels encircle two SDF-held towns: rebel spokesman
Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels have now encircled two border towns in northeast Syria held by the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces after a ground offensive that seized several villages around them, a spokesman for the rebels said on Thursday.

Kurdish-led SDF's political arm in U.S. repeats call for Syria no-fly zone
A U.S. representative for the political arm of Kurdish-led fighters in northeast Syria on Thursday repeated a call to impose a no-fly zone amid a Turkish offensive in the area and urged the international community to help stop the attack.

Turkey's Erdogan lambasts critics of Syrian assault in fiery speech

President Tayyip Erdogan delivered a fiery defense of Turkey's military incursion into northeast Syria on Thursday, dismissing a chorus of global criticism and threatening to send more than 3 million Syrian refugees into Europe.

Trump confirms al Qaeda bomb-maker, mastermind of 'Underwear Bomber' attempt and other attacks, is dead

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed that al Qaeda's top bomb-maker, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, believed to be the mastermind behind the failed bombing of a U.S.-bound airliner in 2009, has been killed.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

'We (US and Turkey) have been planning this attack for a along time, and now they must play by our rules! I am watching closely.'

Turkey Has Been Planning to Attack Kurds for a Long Time - Trump

Earlier, the US president said he would like to see something "much tougher" than sanctions done against Turkey over its military operation in northern Syria, which began on Wednesday.

sputniknews.com

10.10.2019

1000s of ISIL Inmates May Escape from Jails Amid Turkish Assault on Syria
Oct 10, 2019

Turkish airstrike hits prison with ISIS detainees in northern Syria: SDF

BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:10 A.M.) - The Turkish Air Force struck a prison filled with Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) detainees in northern Syria this week,

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-10

Trump says jihadists ‘will be escaping to Europe’ in potential jailbreak

European countries may face an influx of Daesh* (ISIS) escapees as a result of Turkey’s military operation in northern Syria, where thousands of foreign

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-10

US Senators Announce Sanctions Against Erdogan, Turkish Military, Slam Trump's Decision to Abandon Kurds

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) on Wednesday announced that they have reached an agreement on new sanctions against Turkey after the country launched a military operation against Kurdish militias in Northern Syria.

‘Ironic’: Congress Seeks to Punish Turkey’s Incursion, Even as US Troops Remain in Syria

Turkey’s “Operation Peace Spring” has kicked off in Syria and caused a divide in the US muddied by what US President Donald Trump has deemed a misunderstanding. With Turkish troops already clashing with Kurds, hundreds dead, and US...

sputniknews.com

11.10.2019

“The remaining hundreds of US forces are still there controlling about 20 to 25% of Syrian territory rich with oil and grain, preventing the reabsorption of those areas into the state of Syria. They still stand ready to act as a tripwire against the forces of Damascus,” he said. “Trump, for all his bluster about bringing the troops back, has taken only a very small step towards that goal.”

US, Turkish military chiefs discuss Syria, cooperation

Two leaders discuss security situation in Syria and importance of U.S.-Turkish cooperation in region, says Pentagon - Anadolu Ajansı

www.aa.com.tr

By Servet Günerigök - 11.10.2019
*Kasim Ileri contributed to this story

Turkey deploys air defense system near Syrian border: Russian media

BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:10 P.M.) - Turkey has deployed its air defense system near the Syrian border region where they are currently launching an operation

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-10

Turkish operation is result of coalition’s actions in Syria, says Russian envoy

Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted that Russia had warned them against "experimenting with that"

tass.com

10 OCT, 2019

'Syrian government will not accept dialogue with those who became hostages of foreign forces', the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said.

Syrian gov't rules out peace talks with Kurdish forces

BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:40 P.M.) - In an interview on Thursday, Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said that Syria will not hold talks with the

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-10

 

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Turkish Operation In Northeastern Syria Is Coordinated With United States, Russia?

On October 10, the U.N. Security Council did not agree on a statement condemning Turkey’s military operation in Syria. Following...

southfront.org

11.10.2019

Russia, US veto European statement on Turkey's Syria action

Russia and the US used their veto power at the UN Security Council to reject a statement by Europeans on Turkey

www.presstv.com

Oct 11, 2019

Kurdish Militias Retreat 20 Kilometers from Military Positions in Northern Syria
Oct 11, 2019

The Kurdish militias’ withdrawal has taken place in the border region stretched from Ra’as al-Ain to North of Hasaka till the city of Tal Abyaz in the Northernmost part of Raqqa countryside.

Israel ready to assist Syrian Kurds

Israel strongly condemns the Turkish invasion of the Kurdish areas in Syria and warns against the ethnic cleansing of the Kurds by Turkey and its proxies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Facebook post. “Israel is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the courageous...

uawire.org

October 11, 2019

Russian Warplanes Strike Terrorist Positions In Southern Idlib (Videos)

Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out on October 11 a series of airstrikes on terrorists positions in southern...

southfront.org

11.10.2019

Several Syrian, Russian Service Members Injured In Daraa Attack

On October 11, a joint patrol of Syrian security forces and Russian Military Police was attacked with an improvised explosive...

southfront.org

11.10.2019

Car Bomb Explosion Rocks Syria’s Qamishli Amid Turkish Attack (Video)

A booby-trapped car exploded in the afternoon of October 11 in the northern Syrian city of Qamishli on the border...

southfront.org

11.10.2019

 

[angelburst29]

Israel uneasy over Trump's refusal to stand by Kurds

Israel Worried by Trump's Betrayal to Kurds

Netanyahu's day's of manipulation and wielding power are over ... not only is Trump exercising his Executive Right's, Russia is standing by their own Legal System of fair practices, not granting Political "exception's".

Israel wants Russia to free U.S.-Israeli woman, rules out swap

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to secure the release of a U.S.-Israeli woman being held in Russia on drugs charges, his office said on Friday.

Israel condemns 'disproportionate' Russian jail term for U.S.-Israeli
Israel condemned a Russian court's sentencing on Friday of a U.S.-Israeli woman to seven and a half years' imprisonment for a drug offence as "heavy" and "disproportionate", saying Moscow had ignored its appeals to handle the case differently.

Trump says jihadists ‘will be escaping to Europe’ in potential jailbreak

European countries may face an influx of Daesh* (ISIS) escapees as a result of Turkey’s military operation in northern Syria, where thousands of foreign

www.almasdarnews.com

Putin says Turkey's Syria operation may allow militants to escape: Ifax

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that Islamic State militants held in northeast Syria could escape as a result of a Turkish military operation there, the Interfax news agency reported.

SDF: Five Islamic State fighters escape jail in Syria's Qamishli
Five Islamic State militants broke out of a prison in northeast Syria on Friday after Turkish shelling nearby, a military media official in the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said.

Turkey intensifies Syria campaign; Washington warns of 'serious consequences'

Turkey intensified its air and artillery strikes on Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Friday, escalating an offensive that has drawn warnings of humanitarian catastrophe and turned Republican lawmakers against U.S. President Donald Trump.

Two Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish militant attack in Syria: ministry
Two Turkish soldiers were killed after a mortar attack hit the area near a military post in a part of northern Syria where Ankara mounted an operation against Kurdish militants last year, the defense ministry said on Friday.

Car bomb hits Syrian Kurdish-held city of Qamishli: SDF official

A car bomb went off outside a restaurant in the Syrian Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli on Friday, an official in the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said.

U.N. says 100,000 have left homes in northeastern Syria since Turkish incursion
Some 100,000 people have left their homes in northeastern Syria with a growing number sheltering in shelters and schools following this week's Turkish military incursion in the region, the United Nations said on Friday.

Kurdish-led SDF says 22 of its fighters killed in Turkish offensive
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said 22 of its fighters were killed on Wednesday and Thursday in an offensive by Turkey and Syrian rebel allies.

Comment: I suspect, the Military Foreces and equipment that Trump is pulling out of Syria - is being directed to Saudi Arabia? Might be a temporary assignment, before they are transferred somewhere else?

U.S. to deploy large number of forces to Saudi Arabia

The United States announced on Friday a new, large deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia to help bolster the kingdom's defenses
following the Sept. 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

Pentagon confirms large deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia
The Pentagon said on Friday it was planning to send a large number of additional forces and equipment to Saudi Arabia, including air defenses and fighter aircraft.

Timeline: Turkey’s military operations in Iraq and Syria
Turkey's armed forces have conducted several large-scale military operations over the decades in northern Iraq and northern Syria against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and Islamic State.

Need to de-escalate situation in northeast Syria before it's 'irreparable': Pentagon

In some of the most critical U.S. comments about Turkey's advance into northeastern Syria, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told his Turkish counterpart they should deescalate the situation before it becomes "irreparable", adding that Ankara's operation could harm U.S. personnel in Syria.

Turkey says it expects solidarity from NATO against threats

Turkey has reiterated to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that it expects the alliance to show strong solidarity with Ankara against threats to Turkish security, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday.

German minister, asked about Syria, expects NATO partners to contribute to stability

Germany expects all NATO partners to contribute to stabilizing a region, Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said on Friday when asked about Turkey's military operations in Syria.

Furious with Turkey, EU threatens sanctions, arms embargo

EU governments threatened sanctions against Turkey on Friday over its offensive in Syria, angrily rejecting President Tayyip Erdogan's warning that he would "open the gates" and send 3.6 million refugees to Europe if they did not back him.

EU cannot accept Turkish 'blackmail': Italian prime minister

The European Union must not bow to threats from Turkey to push millions of Syrian refugees into EU countries, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday, adding that Ankara should stop its military operations in northern Syria at once.

Russia calls on Turkey, others to exercise restraint in northeast Syria
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday called on Turkey and others to show restraint in northeast Syria, a sign of Moscow's growing concern about a Turkish military operation there against Kurdish forces.

Sweden to push for EU weapons embargo against Turkey

Sweden will push for a European Union weapons embargo against Turkey at an EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday, the Swedish parliament decided on Friday, state radio reported.

Tusk says Erdogan's threats of flooding Europe with refugees 'totally out of place'

European Council President Donald Tusk chastised Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday for threatening to send millions of Syrian refugees to Europe and blasted the Turkish operation in northern Syria as destabilizing the region.

EU's Tusk: Turkey's actions in Syria may lead to humanitarian catastrophe
European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday that Turkey must understand the EU's concerns that Turkey's actions in Syria may lead to a humanitarian crisis.

France says EU summit will discuss Turkey sanctions next week

Next week's European Union summit will discuss sanctions on Turkey over its action in Syria, French State Secretary for European Affairs Amelie de Montchalin said on Friday.

 

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'Operation Peace Spring is a 'business as usual' for Ankara and Washington.'

US, Turkey Cooperate ‘Carving Up’ Syria, Blocking Damascus from Wheat, Oil Regions

While US President Donald Trump continues spouting claims of bringing troops home from Syria and exchanges threats of sanctions with Turkey, the mainstream narrative is neglecting to acknowledge the two nations’ history of carving up Syria...

sputniknews.com

12.10.2019

'Good friends (allies), means good profit.'

US trying to convince Turkey to stop military operation in Syria — Pompeo

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said that Washington is "using every economic and diplomatic tool to convince them to cease activity"

tass.com

12 OCT, 2019

Erdogan says Turkey ‘won’t stop’ operation in northern Syria despite ‘threats’ as US warns it can ‘shut down’ Ankara’s economy

Turkey’s military will continue its campaign against Kurdish militants in northern Syria despite “threats” from the US and allies, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, insisting the operation targets not Kurds but terrorists.

www.rt.com

11 Oct, 2019

'We didn't know you didn't withdraw.'

US troops came under artillery fire from Turkish positions in Syria - Pentagon

American troops stationed in northern Syria came under artillery fire from nearby Turkish positions, the Pentagon has confirmed. There were no injuries.

www.rt.com

11 Oct, 2019

Several Syrian, Russian Service Members Injured In Daraa Attack

On October 11, a joint patrol of Syrian security forces and Russian Military Police was attacked with an improvised explosive...

southfront.org

11.10.2019

Terrorist Attacks in Syria Intensify Against Backdrop Of Turkish Offensive - Russian Military

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced earlier this week the launch of the offensive, dubbed Operation Peace Spring, in northeastern Syria, aiming to create a safe zone near the Syrian-Turkish border.

sputniknews.com

11.10.2019

Incursion in Syria will not help ensure Turkey's security — Iranian foreign minister

On October 9, Ankara announced the launch of Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, which began with airstrikes on Kurdish positions

tass.com

11 OCT, 2019

 

[sToRmR1dR]

The Russian warplanes have targeted terrorists' positions in southern Idlib.

Russian Warplanes Target Communication Equipment, Fortifications In Southern Idlib

Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out on October 13 a series of airstrikes on terrorists’ positions in southern...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

Russia's Hmeimim Airbase in Syria resumes operations after construction: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:00 P.M.) - The Russian Armed Forces recently completed a construction project that increased the security of the Hmeimim Airbase in

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-12

Syrian Army attacks foreign jihadists along Turkish border: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 A.M.) - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) was filmed striking the positions of the foreigner-led Turkestan Islamic Party near the Turkish

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-13

Developing: Massive Syrian Army force arrives at outskirts of Manbij amid reports of imminent takeover

BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:10 P.M.) - A massive amount of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) reinforcements have deployed to the outskirts of Manbij in northeastern Aleppo

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-12

Syrian Troops Prepare For Possible Takeover Of Manbij From SDF

As the defense of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces is crumbling under pressure from Turkey-led forces, the situation is northern...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

Turkey Deploys Floating Bridge Equipment North Of Manbij (Video)

After the deployment of Leopard 2A4 battle tanks in the framework of Operation Peace Spring, Turkey has sent flaoting bridge...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

In Video: Turkish Leopard 2A4 Battle Tanks Enter Northern Syria

Turkish Leopard 2A4 battle tanks have entered northern Syria in the framework of Ankara’s Operation Peace Spring against the Kurdish-led...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

Hundreds Of ISIS-linked Foreigners Fled SDF-run Detention Camp In Northern Syria

Hundreds of ISIS-linked foreigners, including wives and children of the terrorist group’s fighters, fled from a camp they were being...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

 

[angelburst29]

Putin says a new Syrian constitution should guarantee all groups' rights: Arabiya

Russian President Vladimir Putin said any new constitution that is drawn up for Syria should guarantee the rights of all ethnic and religions groups. Putin was speaking in an interview with Arab broadcasters, including Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV, on his first visit to Saudi Arabia in over a decade.

Saudi king approves U.S. military deployment: SPA

Saudi Arabia's king and crown prince have approved the deployment of additional U.S. troops and equipment, after an attack last month on the kingdom's oil facilities, state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.

In rally outside White House, Trump blamed for exposing Kurds to Turkish offensive

Lava Ibrahim and her sister Midya emigrated to the United States from Qamishli in northeast Syria seven years ago as refugees,
grateful for the safe haven the country provided them.

'We feel betrayed': Kurds in U.S. voice anger at Trump's troop pullback

Like many Kurds living in the United States, Lava Antar has had a hard time sleeping this week, waking often to check reports of Turkish jets and artillery pounding her northeast Syria homeland and learning her former neighbor's 30-year-old son was killed.

Kurds march in Paris and Athens to protest Turkish incursion into Syria

Thousands of Kurds and their local supporters rallied in France and in Greece on Saturday to protest against Turkey's military action in northeast Syria.

Asked about Trump mediation with Kurds, Turkey says won't talk to terrorists: Deutsche Welle

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed on Saturday an offer by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate between Ankara and Kurdish YPG forces to halt Turkey's incursion in Syria, according to the transcript of an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Iran offers to mediate between Syrian Kurds, Turkey

Iran offered on Saturday to engage Syrian Kurds, Syria's government and Turkey in talks to establish security along the Turkish-Syrian border following Turkey's military incursion into northern Syria to fight Kurdish forces.

Turkey's Syria offensive an 'invasion': Arab League secretary general

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday led Arab foreign ministers lambasting Turkey's military operation in northeast Syria as an "invasion of an Arab state's land and an aggression on its sovereignty".

U.S. officials intensify pressure on Turkey to stop Syria assault

The United States ramped up efforts on Friday to persuade Turkey to halt an escalating offensive in northern Syria against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, saying Ankara was causing "great harm" to ties and could face potentially devastating sanctions.

U.S. lawmakers press again for stronger Trump action on Turkey

U.S. lawmakers introduced more legislation on Friday seeking to slap stiff sanctions on Turkey over its offensive against Kurdish fighters in Syria, underscoring unhappiness from both Democrats and President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress over his Syria policy.

United States threatens Turkey with 'very significant' sanctions

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday that President Donald Trump had authorized U.S. officials to draft "very significant" new sanctions to target Turkey after it launched an offensive in northeast Syria, adding that banks were being notified.

U.S. troops in Syria came under fire from Turkish positions: Pentagon
U.S. troops in northern Syria came under artillery fire from Turkish positions on Friday but none were wounded, the Pentagon said, an incident that highlights the risks to U.S. troops as Turkey wages an offensive against U.S.-allied Kurdish militia.

Turkish-led forces advance into Syrian border town, fighting rages

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels advanced into the border town of Ras al Ain in northeast Syria on Saturday but it was unclear how far, with Turkey saying it had taken the town center, and Kurdish-led forces denying that and saying they were counter-attacking.

SDF says Turkey-backed rebels killed Kurdish politician, rebels deny it

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces accused Turkey-backed fighters of killing a Kurdish politician in an ambush on a road in northern Syria on Saturday, drawing a denial from a Turkey-backed rebel force which said it had not advanced that far.

Kurdish-led SDF says Turkish invasion has revived IS, urges no-fly zone
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said a Turkish attack in northern Syria had revived Islamic State and called on allied states that helped fight the jihadist group to close off air space to Turkish war planes.

Turkey intensifies Syria campaign as Islamic State strikes Kurds

Turkey intensified its air and artillery strikes in northeast Syria on Friday in an offensive against Kurdish militia that has raised the prospect of a humanitarian disaster and questions about U.S. President Donald Trump's policy in the region.

Turkey-backed Syrian rebels seize Ras al Ain town center: official

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels seized control of Ras al Ain's town center in northeast Syria on Saturday, a senior Turkish security official said as Turkey's offensive against a Kurdish militia in the region entered its fourth day.

Car bomb hits Syrian Kurdish-held city of Qamishli: SDF official

A car bomb went off outside a restaurant in the Syrian Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli on Friday, an official in the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said.

France says suspends weapons sales to Turkey

France said on Saturday it has suspended all weapon sales to Turkey and warned Ankara that its offensive in northern Syria threatened European security.

Germany bans exports of arms to Turkey
Germany has banned arms exports to Turkey over its assault against Kurdish YPG militia in Syria, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Saturday.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

'Give them back to the w-h-o-r-e!'

Trump urges Europe to take Daesh prisoners back

‘Europe should have taken them back after numerous requests. They should do it now,’ says US president - Anadolu Ajansı

www.aa.com.tr

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak - 14.10.2019

'Let them to make Endless Wars! They have no idea that We are profiting from the situation.'

'Very smart' not to get involved in Syria: Trump

'Those that mistakenly got us into Middle East Wars are still pushing to fight,' says President Donald Trump - Anadolu Ajansı

www.aa.com.tr

By Gözde Bayar - 13.10.2019

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his decision to not get his country involved in the intense fighting along the Turkish border.

“Very smart not to be involved in the intense fighting along the Turkish Border, for a change. Those that mistakenly got us into the Middle East Wars are still pushing to fight. They have no idea what a bad decision they have made. Why are they not asking for a Declaration of War?” Trump said on Twitter.

Referring that Turkey has been combating terror groups for many years, he said Turkey considers the PKK the worst terrorists of all.

“..The Kurds and Turkey have been fighting for many years. Turkey considers the PKK the worst terrorists of all. Others may want to come in and fight for one side or the other. Let them! We are monitoring the situation closely. Endless Wars!” he added.

Trump announced that the U.S. would pull back its forces from the Syrian border after a telephone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He reiterated that his administration is unwillingly mulling economic sanctions under pressure from American lawmakers but that he hasn’t made his decision yet.

“Dealing with @LindseyGrahamSC and many members of Congress, including Democrats, about imposing powerful Sanctions on Turkey. Treasury is ready to go, additional legislation may be sought. There is great consensus on this. Turkey has asked that it not be done. Stay tuned!” he added.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator who is frequently allied with Trump, and Democratic Senator prepare sanctions legislation against Turkey.

Graham, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, has been a vocal critic of Ankara's ongoing Operation Peace Spring and announced he was working on the sanctions legislation alongside Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen prior to the operation's formal launch.

"While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support," Graham had said in a statement.

Turkey on Wednesday launched Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorists there and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria’s territorial integrity.

Ankara plans to resettle two million Syrians in a 30-km-wide (19-miles) proposed safe zone in Syria, stretching from the Euphrates River to the Iraqi border, including Manbij. However, the presence of terror groups such as the PKK, PYD, and YPG risk its formation.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

US using Turks as de facto mercenaries in Syria: Analyst

The US is using "the Turks as de facto mercenaries” in Syria in order to keep the war-torn country destabilized, an analyst says.

www.presstv.com

Oct 14, 2019

Kurdish-led SDF Says It Reached Deal With Damascus. Syrian Army Marches Towards Kobani

The self-administration of Northeastern Syria, a political wing of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced on October 13 evening...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

US troops ‘leave’ Kobani as Turkish incursion advances and Kurds make deal with Damascus

American troops have reportedly withdrawn from their observation post in the town of Kobani in northern Syria as the Turkish Army advances deeper south and Damascus says it has sent its military to the area.

www.rt.com

14 Oct, 2019

Syrian Army deployed to country’s northeast to counter ‘Turkish aggression’ (VIDEOS)

Syrian government troops have reportedly entered Tell Tamer, a town in the middle of the Kurdish-controlled part of the country, amid a continuing Turkish offensive against Kurdish militias.

www.rt.com

14 Oct, 2019

 

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Russia-backed Syrian forces step in as U.S. retreats

Russia-backed Syrian forces wasted no time in taking advantage of an abrupt U.S. retreat from Syria on Monday, deploying deep inside Kurdish-held territory south of the Turkish frontier less than 24 hours after Washington announced a full withdrawal.

France says securing military in Syria as U.S. begins withdrawal
France said on Monday it was taking measures to ensure the safety of its military and civilian personnel in northeastern Syria as the United States begins to withdraw its forces from the area following a Turkish offensive against Kurdish militias.

Erdogan says Turkey will not back down from Syria offensive

Turkey will not back down from its offensive against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria "no matter what anyone says", President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding that the battle would continue until "ultimate victory" is achieved.

Trump: Kurdish-led forces may intentionally be releasing Islamic State militants

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria might be releasing captive Islamic State militants to lure U.S. troops back to the area, adding that they could be easily recaptured.

Comment:
Trump might be right - that the Kurd's are the one's who let the militants out of prison - hoping to make some deal with Assad, through Russia - to protect them and fight Erdogan's troops from forcing them out and off the land, the Kurds originally illegally trespassed on and set up camp? The Kurd's have taken possession of Syrian oil wells and using the illegal profits to sustain themselves.

Syrian Kurdish leaders: deal backed by Russia to protect border, politics later

Syrian Kurdish officials said a deal with Damascus, brokered by President Bashar al-Assad's ally Russia, centers for now on army troops deploying along the border and that the two sides would talk politics later.

U.S. to pull last troops from north Syria; Syrian army to redeploy on border
The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia takes part in talks between Syria and Kurdish-led SDF

The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been holding negotiations with Russian participation, a Syrian Kurdish politician said on Sunday, expressing hope for a deal that would halt a Turkish attack.

Syrian army deploys to town in country's northeast after Kurdish deal
Syrian army troops entered the town of Tel Tamer in northeastern Syria, state media reported on Monday, after Damascus reached an agreement with the Kurdish-led forces controlling the region to deploy into the area to counter an attack by Turkey.

Syrian army to deploy along Turkish border in deal with Kurdish-led forces

The Syrian army will deploy along the length of the border with Turkey in an agreement with the Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria to help repel a Turkish offensive, the Kurdish-led administration said on Sunday.

Turkey says Kurdish forces emptied Islamic State prison in northeast Syria

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Monday Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters had emptied a jail holding Islamic State prisoners in a part of Syria where Ankara is mounting an offensive, and that the prisoners there had been abducted.

Erdogan signals Turkish operation to Syria's Manbij
President Tayyip Erdogan signaled on Monday that Turkey aims to drive Kurdish-led fighters from the northern Syrian town of Manbij, after Syrian Kurdish officials struck a deal with the Syrian government to confront Ankara's offensive.

As options narrow on Syria, Trump prepares to drop sanctions hammer on Turkey

President Donald Trump's administration is set to impose economic sanctions on Ankara, potentially as early as this week, for its incursion into northern Syria, one of the few levers the United States still has over NATO-ally Turkey.

U.S. House Speaker Pelosi backs bipartisan sanctions on Turkey: Graham

U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on Monday that he had spoken with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about Turkey's offensive in northern Syria, and that she supported bipartisan sanctions against Ankara.

EU governments limit arms sales to Turkey but avoid embargo
European Union governments agreed on Monday to limit arms exports to Turkey over its offensive in northern Syria, stopping short of a bloc-wide embargo on a NATO ally.

EU countries stop short of arms embargo for Turkey
European Union countries committed on Monday to suspending arms exports to Turkey, but stopped short of the EU-wide arms embargo that France and Germany had sought.

Comment: Ignorance on French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's decision - not to attend a soccer match between France & Turkey?
Infusing "Politics" into a sports game - that has "nothing to do" with Diplomatic matters on the International scene! (SHAME - on you!)

French Foreign Minister to snub France vs Turkey soccer match

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has decided not to attend Monday's soccer match in Paris between France and Turkey in the wake of Turkey's military offensive in northeastern Syria, said Le Drian's office.

 

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The US military is preventing the Syrian army from entering the border city of Kobani.

US military blocks Syrian Army's entry into border city: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:30 P.M.) - The U.S. military is blocking the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) from entering the border city of Kobani (var. 'Ayn Al-'Arab), a new

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-14

Trump Accuses SDF Of Letting ISIS Members To Flee Prisons To Get U.S. Involved

If somebody is not sure that the US is not going to assist the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces against the...

southfront.org

14.10.2019

Over 14,000 ISIS Terrorists Remain In Detention Camps In SDF-held Area: Russian Defense Ministry

About 14,650 ISIS members remain in 7 detention camps in the area controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF),...

southfront.org

13.10.2019

Erdogan gives first comments on Syrian Army deployment to SDF-held border areas

BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave his first comments about the Syrian Arab Army's (SAA) deployment to the areas

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-14

US-Turkey covert plot? Expert hints secret deal may have been struck on northern Syria

The expert suggested that Syria and Turkey could strike a bargain or draw up a deal to avoid a military standoff

tass.com

14 OCT, 2019

Peskov: Moscow calls for avoiding any action that hinders political solution in Syria
By Hazem Sabbagh - 14 October, 2019

Moscow, SANA – The Kremlin reiterated Russia’s position which calls for avoiding any action that could conflict with or hinder the political solution for the crisis in Syria.

 

[angelburst29]

Putin aide: Turkish operation 'not exactly' compatible with Syria's territorial integrity

A Turkey-backed Syrian rebel fighter gestures to the camera at the border town of Tel Abyad, Syria, October 14, 2019. Khalil Ashawi

October 14, 2019 - Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Monday that Turkey's military incursion into northern Syria was "not exactly" compatible with Syria's territorial integrity.

Ushakov, speaking in Riyadh during an official visit to Saudi Arabia by President Vladimir Putin, was commenting on Turkey’s military operation which it launched last week.

Asked by reporters if what was happening was consistent with Syria’s territorial integrity, something that Russia has repeatedly said it wants respected, Ushakov said:

“Not exactly.” He added that Russia planned to “do something” without specifying what that might be.

Kremlin says Turkey's military operation in Syria must be proportionate

Turkey-backed Syrian rebel fighters raise the Syrian opposition flag at the border town of Tel Abyad, Syria, October 14, 2019. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

Ushakov, speaking in Riyadh during an official visit to Saudi Arabia by President Vladimir Putin, was commenting on Turkey’s military operation which it launched last week.

Ushakov said the main thing for Moscow was that Turkey’s actions not harm efforts to find a political solution to Syria’s eight-year-old war.

With U.S. letdown, Syrian Kurdish leaders lose bargaining chip

A U.S. pullback from Syria has cost Kurdish leaders bargaining power with Damascus in their bid to secure their autonomy and left their fate hinging on its ally Russia.

Head of Russian and U.S. General Staffs hold phone talks: Russian news agencies

FILE PHOTO: Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov attends the Victory Day parade, which marks the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia May 9, 2019. Shamil Zhumatov

Valery Gerasimov, the head of Russian's military general staff, on Monday conducted phone negotiations with U.S. Army General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Russian news agencies reported. The call, which news agencies said focused on areas “of mutual interest,” came after the United States said it was withdrawing its remaining troops from northern Syria.

U.S. diplomatic team has left northeast Syria: U.S. official
A U.S. diplomatic team that was working on stabilization projects in northeast Syria has left the country, a U.S. official said on Monday, a day after Washington said it was withdrawing 1,000 troops from Syria.

Russian lawmaker says risk of open Turkish-Syrian conflict is low: RIA
A senior Russian lawmaker said on Monday that Turkey did not plan to seize Syrian territory by force and that there was therefore not a serious risk of an open Turkish-Syrian conflict, the RIA news agency reported.

The lawmaker, Konstantin Kosachev, made the comment after the United States said on Sunday it would withdraw its remaining troops from northern Syria because of an expanding Turkish offensive there.

Syria’s army has struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey. Russia is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan sees no issues in Kobani after Syrian deployment, welcomes U.S. withdrawal

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he does not think any problems will emerge in Syria's Kobani after a Syrian army deployment is executed along the border, adding that Russia's Vladimir Putin had shown a "positive approach."

Germany sees no legal justification for Turkish action against Kurds: spokesman
Germany does not see a legal justification for Turkey's operation against Kurds in North Syria, a spokesman for the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Report: US Leaves Behind ‘High Value’ ISIL Prisoners in Syria

The US army has left five dozen "high value" ISIL (also known as ISIS or Daesh) prisoners behind during its retreat from Syria ahead of Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militias, two American officials told The New York Times on Sunday.

The report came after hundreds of prisoners escaped from a low-security detention camp amid Turkey’s invasion against Kurdish militias into Northern Syria.

The Kurdish militants in Northern Syria claimed Sunday 785 foreigners affiliated with the ISIL terror group managed to escape a camp where they were being held following Turkish shelling on Sunday.

Kurdish militias had warned that the Turkish military operation in Northern Syria had revived the terror group, after five Takfiri militants broke out of a prison in the region on Friday.

On Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed reports that ISIL prisoners in Northeastern Syria had escaped as a result of Ankara's offensive in the region, saying the reports were "disinformation" aimed at provoking the West.

Later, US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter Washington has already taken back the most dangerous militants of the ISIL held in prisons in Syria, now Europe should take the rest.

Trump has for several times threatened to set prisoners from Europe who joined the terror group in Syria and Iraq free at the EU’s borders if they refuse to take back the captives.

North Cyprus head stands firm in row over Turkey criticism

Mustafa Akinci, president of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, took the rare step over the weekend of criticizing Turkey, the only country that recognizes the TRNC.

October 14, 2019 - NICOSIA: The leader of breakaway northern Cyprus, Mustafa Akinci, stood firm in the face of calls to resign on Monday after criticizing Turkey’s military offensive in Syria.

“Even if we call it ‘Peace Spring’, it is blood that is spilling and not water,” he wrote on Facebook, referring to the codename of the Turkish military operation against Kurdish-held northeast Syria launched last Wednesday.

He also called for “dialogue and diplomacy.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded on Sunday that the Turkish Cypriot leader had “totally overstepped his bounds.”
Erdogan warned: “At the given time, we will deliver an appropriate response.”

Akinci’s opponents in northern Nicosia called an extraordinary session of parliament Monday to press for his resignation, saying he had damaged ties with the country’s only patron. But Akinci rejected the complaints as “unjust,” although he sought to nuance his remarks on Facebook.

“However, I believe that it’s time for the war... on Syrian soil to come to an end,” he added. Undaunted, Akinci asked: “Since when has defending peace become a crime?” “It is our common desire that Turkey gets rid of the scourge of terrorism that it has suffered a lot,” he said in a statement. And he added that the divided Mediterranean island’s Turkish Cypriots were not dependent on Ankara’s patronage.

“Turkey has done more than anyone to support the Turkish Cypriot people and state. However, Turkish Cypriots have reached their current position through their own great struggles,” he said.

The republic was created after Turkey invaded northern Cyprus in 1974 following a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece, and it has remained divided.

Akinci also said that Turkey, which still maintains 30,000-40,000 troops in the TRNC, should focus on improving its relations with the European Union, which has condemned the Turkish offensive in Syria.

The Greek Cypriot-run Republic of Cyprus in the south, a country which Ankara does not recognize, is an EU member.

EU slams Turkey for ‘weaponizing’ refugees

October 11, 2019 - Pro-Turkish Syrian fighters gather near the Turkish village of Akcakale along the border with Syria on Friday, as they prepare to take part in the Turkish-led assault on northeastern Syria. (AFP)

ANKARA: As the Turkish ground and air offensive in northeastern Syria continues, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send millions of Syrian refugees to Europe if the EU calls Turkey’s military offensive “an invasion.” “We will open the gates and send 3.6 million refugees your way,” he said on Thursday.

The statement is considered by some a move to “weaponize” the refugees who have been in Turkey since the beginning of Syrian civil war, and to use them as a leverage.

European institutions harshly criticized Turkey’s military operation into northeastern Syria against Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey considers a terror group.

“Turkey must understand that our main concern is that their actions may lead to another humanitarian catastrophe, which would be unacceptable. Nor will we ever accept that refugees are weaponized and used to blackmail us. That is why I consider yesterday’s threats made by President Erdogan totally out of place,” Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said on Oct. 11 after his meeting with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.

Turkish attack in Syria condemned as ‘invasion of an Arab state’s land’

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Representatives of the League of Arab states attend an emergency meeting at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2019, to discuss Turkey's offensive on Syria. (AFP / Mohamed el-Shahed)

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Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that Turkey’s military has resulted in a new wave of displacement and jeopardizes gains against Daesh. (AFP)

October 12, 2019 - CAIRO: Turkey’s military offensive against Kurds in northeast Syria is an “invasion of an Arab state’s land and an aggression on its sovereignty,” Arab League foreign ministers said on Saturday after an emergency meeting in Cairo.

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday led Arab foreign ministers in lambasting Turkey's military operation in northeast Syria as an "invasion of an Arab state's land and an aggression on its sovereignty".

Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, condemned the Turkish invasion, and urged the international community to act immediately to end it.

He was backed by Anwar Gargash, UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, who said: “We call for the exit of Turkey and its forces, as well as all foreign forces that have violated this Arab country — and to push for a successful political solution.”

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim, president of the current Arab League session, also condemned Turkey's offensive into Syria during an emergency meeting of the body, called by Egypt.

The Turkish invasion “will exacerbate humanitarian crises, increase the suffering of the Syrian people, and strengthen the ability of terrorists to reorganize their remnants,” Alhakim said. He and Gebran Bassil, Lebanon’s foreign minister, called on the League to reinstate Syria’s membership, which was suspended in 2011.

Reading from the meeting's final communique, Aboul Gheit said that the Arab League will consider taking measures against Turkey in the economic, investment and cultural sectors, and include tourism and military cooperation.

He also called on the UN Security Council to "take the necessary measures to stop the Turkish aggression and (for) the withdrawal from Syrian territory immediately".

Turkey dismissed the Arab League statement, saying it misrepresented its military operations.

Comment: Organizations like the Arab League, E.U. aligned Countries and other opposition to Turkey's current operation in Syria - may be the heavy-hand needed "to finally force Erdogan and his Military" - out of Syria? Erdogan and his Troops also need to get out of Iraq! The Ottoman Empire needs to be left - in History - the World doesn't need a re-play.

 

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'What's the catch? - Turkey is a NATO member, which means that if one NATO ally is attacked, then all NATO allies are attacked.'

Trump Says Syria’s Assad Should Protect Kurds After US Troops Pullout

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said Monday he hoped that Syrian President Bashar Assad would do a great job protecting Syrian Kurds from Turkey after most of US troops were withdrawn.

sputniknews.com

14.10.2019

‘Are you with us or with terrorists?’ Erdogan lashes out at NATO allies for failure to back Turkey’s Syria op

Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan is enraged that NATO members are not supporting Ankara’s incursion into neighboring Syria, to target local Kurdish militias, arguing that in doing so they are siding with terrorists.

www.rt.com

14 Oct, 2019

A secret phone conversation between Russian and US military chiefs about the situation in Syria.

Russian, US military chiefs discuss Syria — Pentagon

The two officials agreed to keep the specific details of their conversation secret

tass.com

15 OCT, 2019

Russian defense ministry says it never discussed operation in Syria’s Kobani with Turkey

tass.com

15 OCT, 2019

Russian Navy holds military drills off Syrian coast

The Russian Navy’s missile frigate Admiral Makarov held a gunnery exercise in the East Mediterranean, Ship Commander Captain 2nd Rank Anton Kuprin said on

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-14

Russian Air Force launches new strikes over southern Idlib

BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:00 P.M.) - The Russian Air Force has launched a new set of strikes over the Idlib Governorate today, targeting several sites belonging

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-14

Syrian Army ‘enters city of Manbij’ at the height of Turkish offensive against Kurds

The Syrian Arab Army has entered the northeastern city of Manbij, state media has reported. The deployment comes amid the ongoing Turkish operation against the Kurdish-led militias, which control several towns in the border area.

www.rt.com

15 Oct, 2019

Turkish-backed Forces Announce Advance On Manbij, Clash With Syrian Army

On October 14 evening, Turkish-backed miltiant groups officially announced an advance on the town of Manbij, which was controlled by...

southfront.org

14.10.2019

 

[angelburst29]

Scrambling to limit damage, Trump tells Turkey to stop its Syria invasion

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday demanded Turkey stop its military incursion in Syria and imposed new sanctions on the NATO ally as Trump scrambled to limit the damage from his much-criticized decision to clear U.S. troops from Turkey's path.

U.S. coalition: 'We are out' of Syria's Manbij
The U.S.-led coalition said its forces left Manbij in northern Syria on Tuesday, after state media said the Syrian army had entered the town.

Russia: Syrian Army Takes Full Control of Manbij
Russia: Syrian Army Takes Full Control of Manbij - World news - Tasnim News Agency

October, 15, 2019 - The Syrian army has taken full control of the city of Manbij and all surrounding towns, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

Syrian state media also said the army troops have entered the center of Manbij in northern Syria and have raised the national flag in the city. A video released by SANA shows a number of people gathering in the city’s main square and waving Syrian flags on Tuesday morning.

"The Russian military police continue to patrol the northwestern border of Manbij along the line of communication between Syrian and Turkish forces. Cooperation has been organized with the Turkish side," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Ankara-Backed Militants Start Operation to Capture Damascus-Controled Manbij

Tue Oct 15, 2019 - Ankara-backed militants have launched an operation to capture Manbij, as Syrian government forces have entered the strategic city after Kurds announced that an agreement has been reached with Damascus for the Syrian Army troops to be deployed along the border with Turkey.

Youssef Hammoud, the spokesman for the Turkey-backed militants, stated that militants would continue to advance toward Manbij, after Syrian government forces had entered the strategic city.

The Turkish Defense Ministry announced that as many as 595 Kurdish fighters have been killed as a result of Turkey's offensive in Northern Syria.

Kremlin envoy calls Turkish military operation in Syria 'unacceptable'

The Kremlin's envoy for Syria on Tuesday called Turkey's military offensive in northeast Syria "unacceptable" and denied Ankara's operation had been cleared by Moscow in advance, Russian news agencies reported.

Bulgaria calls for Turkey to halt military operation in Syria

Bulgaria told neighboring Turkey on Tuesday to call off its military offensive in northeast Syria, saying the violence could lead to rising numbers of migrants crossing the border and heighten the risk of a humanitarian crisis.

China urges Turkey to halt military action in Syria-foreign ministry
China's foreign ministry urged Turkey on Tuesday to stop military action in Syria and "come back to the right track". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily briefing in Beijing.

Germany's Scholz calls for coordinated approach to convince Turkey to end Syria operation

German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for not having coordinated his decision to impose sanctions against Turkey, adding that the European Union is discussing its options and should act together.

Turkey detains four Kurdish mayors in dawn raids

October 15, 2019 - Turkish police detained four mayors from a pro-Kurdish party in dawn raids, widening a crackdown since Ankara launched an incursion into northern Syria a week ago, state media and the party said on Tuesday.

The pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) mayors of the Kurdish-majority districts of Hakkari, Yuksekova, Ercis and Nusaybin, near Turkey’s borders with Syria and Iraq, were held over terrorism links, the HDP and Anadolu news agency said, without elaborating.

President Tayyip Erdogan and his government accuse the HDP of being linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, and thousands of its members have been prosecuted for the same reason, including its leaders. The HDP denies such links.

While most of Turkey’s opposition parties have backed the operation, the HDP has called for it to stop, describing it as an “invasion attempt”. HDP says the operation was an attempt by the government to drum up support amid declining public backing.

Speaking to members of her HDP, party co-leader Pervin Buldan accused the government of violating the rights of Kurdish people domestically and said the operation in Syria was being waged against the Kurdish people.

US 7,000 Miles Away, Not Responsible for Protecting Kurds: Trump
US 7,000 Miles Away, Not Responsible for Protecting Kurds: Trump - World news - Tasnim News Agency

October, 15, 2019 - “Let Syria and Assad protect the Kurds and fight Turkey for their own land. I said to my Generals, why should we be fighting for Syria and Assad to protect the land of our enemy?” Trump tweeted on Monday.

“Anyone who wants to assist Syria in protecting the Kurds is good with me, whether it is Russia, China, or Napoleon Bonaparte. I hope they all do great, we are 7,000 miles away!"

“After defeating 100% of the ISIS Caliphate, I largely moved our troops out of Syria. Let Syria and Assad protect the Kurds and fight Turkey for their own land. I said to my Generals, why should we be fighting for Syria....”

Trump further raised the question why his country should protect part of Syria when Assad is “our enemy”.

“....I would much rather focus on our Southern Border which abuts and is part of the United States of America. And by the way, numbers are way down and the WALL is being built!”

U.N. urges Turkey to investigate executions in Syria
GENEVA Oct. 15, 2019 - Turkey could be deemed responsible for summary executions by an affiliated armed group of captured Kurdish fighters and a politician, acts that may amount to war crimes, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The U.N. human rights office also said it had documented civilian casualties caused by air strikes, ground-based strikes and sniper fire each day since the Turkish offensive began in northeastern Syria nearly a week ago.

Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies launched a military offensive into Kurdish-held parts of the northeast saying it aims to defeat the Kurdish YPG militia which it sees as terrorists for its links to separatists in Turkey.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey-backed fighters of killing a Kurdish politician in an ambush on a road in northern Syria on Saturday. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey-backed fighters of killing a Kurdish politician in an ambush on a road in northern Syria on Saturday.

U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said video footage appeared to show executions of three Kurdish captives carried out by Ahrar al-Sharqiya fighters, affiliated with Turkey, on the highway between Hasaka and Manbij on Oct 12.

The United Nations had received reports that Hevrin Khalaf, a Kurdish politician, was executed on the same highway by the same group on the same day, he said, adding that summary executions may amount to war crimes.

U.N. Security Council to meet on Syria, likely on Wednesday: diplomats
The United Nations Security Council will likely meet on Wednesday to discuss latest developments in Syria, diplomats said, adding that
a closed-door discussion had been requested by the body’s five European members - Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland.

Russia's military police patrol contact line between Syrian, Turkish forces: RIA
Russian military police are patrolling the contact line between Syrian and Turkish forces in northern Syria, the RIA news agency cited Russia's defense ministry as saying on Tuesday.

Kurdish SDF says 23 killed in fighting with Turkish forces on Monday: statement
The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said 23 of its soldiers were killed fighting Turkish forces in northern Syria on Monday.

Turkey says Kurdish fighters launch attack from Syria's Manbij, kill one soldier

One Turkish soldier was killed and eight others were wounded on Tuesday after an attack by Kurdish fighters from the northern Syrian town of Manbij, Turkey's defense ministry said, adding that at least 15 fighters had been "neutralized" in retaliation.

Two killed, 12 wounded in Turkish border town after YPG attack: governor
Two people were killed and 12 were wounded on Tuesday after the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia launched a mortar attack on Turkey's border town of Kiziltepe, according to the governor's office in the Turkish province of Mardin.

Syrian Kurdish-led authority: 275,000 displaced by Turkish offensive

More than 275,000 people have been displaced because of a Turkish offensive that began last week in northeast Syria, the region's Kurdish-led authority said on Tuesday.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

The Russian Defense Ministry says that Manbij and its surroundings are in full control of the Syrian army.

Syrian army gains full control of Manbij — Russian Defense Ministry

Manbij is located some 85 kilometers east of Aleppo

tass.com

15 OCT, 2019

First Photos Of Russian Troops In Manbij

On October 15, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Syrian Army had establshed a full control of the town...

southfront.org

15.10.2019

First scenes of the Syrian Army inside of Manbij: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:25 P.M.) - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has entered the strategic city of Manbij as part of an agreement with the Syrian Democratic

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-15

Syrian Army takes over US base in Manbij: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:50 A.M.) - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has taken over the U.S. military base in Manbij after entering the city last night. According to

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-15

Syrian Army transfers heavy weapons into Manbij to protect against Turkish military attack: video

BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:40 P.M.) - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has transferred heavy weapons into the Manbij area of northeastern Aleppo to prevent against a

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-15

Turkey Still Aims To Capture Manbij Despite Syrian Army Deployment There

Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring has cleared the area of 1,000km2 in northeastern Syria from ‘terrorists’, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan...

southfront.org

15.10.2019

Syrian Army to control northeast crossing with Iraq as part of SDF agreement : source

BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:10 A.M.) - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) will have access to Syria's northeastern border crossing at the town of Al-Malkiyah in

www.almasdarnews.com

2019-10-15

Turkey to return 3mn refugees to Syria after securing border zone – Erdogan

Ankara plans to push Kurdish militias in Syria all the way from Manbij to the Iraqi border and there resettle three million refugees currently living in its territory, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.

www.rt.com

15 Oct, 2019

Expert Reveals US Plot to Transfer Thousands of ISIL Terrorists from Syria to Iraq
Oct 15, 2019

Hafez Al-Basharah told the Arabic-language al-Ma'aloumeh news website on Tuesday that the US which has created and supported the ISIL terrorists in the past few years is now plotting to create a safe area for them in Iraq.

Hard to say now whether US troops will leave Syria, says Russia’s envoy

The diplomat recalled that Washington made statements about troop pullout from Syria earlier, which did not happen

tass.com

15 OCT, 2019

US pressed for Turkish military intervention in Syria in its interests, says analyst

Leading analyst of the Italian geopolitical magazine Limes Dario Fabbri believes that Turkish interference has no direct effect on Russia’s interests

tass.com

15 OCT, 2019