Turkish military offensive into Syria risks ‘destabilising’ region, UK warns
The foreign secretary has warned that Turkey’s military offensive in northern Syria risks “destabilising” the region, as the country’s ground forces crossed the border.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the launch of the military operation against Kurdish fighters after the US withdrew its forces from the area.
Airstrikes were reported to have hit a town in Syria’s northern border on Wednesday, with Turkish ground forces later crossing into the country.
The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement expressing concern following an incursion by the Turkish military in north east Syria: https://t.co/2tyahnMtsS
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) October 9, 2019
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had “serious concerns” about Turkey’s military action.
He said: “This risks destabilising the region, exacerbating humanitarian suffering, and undermining the progress made against Daesh which should be our collective focus.
“Turkey has shown considerable generosity in hosting so many Syrian refugees.
“But we will not support plans for returns until the conditions are in place for a voluntary and safe return home.”
The offensive comes after US president Donald Trump announced on Sunday that American troops would step aside to allow for the operation.
Mr Erdogan said in a tweet: “Our mission is to prevent the creation of a terror corridor across our southern border, and to bring peace to the area.”
#OperationPeaceSpring will neutralize terror threats against Turkey and lead to the establishment of a safe zone, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homes.
We will preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and liberate local communities from terrorists.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 9, 2019
He said that Turkish armed forces had begun “Operation Peace Spring” with Turkish-backed Syrian fighters, known as the Syrian National army.
He said the operation will “neutralize terror threats against Turkey and lead to the establishment of a safe zone, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homes”.
Kurdish forces have warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe” that could potentially unfold because of the Turkish military operation.
Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said Turkish warplanes were targeting “civilian areas” in northern Syria.
