(Wednesday 16th October 2019 Issue)
The
conflict in Syria since 2011 has wrecked havoc on the Syrian people as well as
has created a power vacuum in the country. The Syrian people, due to the
atrocities of Assad’s regime and terrorist organisations against them, have
also been subjected to a forced migration to the bordering countries, mainly to
Turkey.
The
Syrian offshoot of terrorist organization PKK, namely PYD/YPG as well as DEASH,
tried to capitalize on the plight of the people and at the present PYD/YPG now
occupies more than 30 percent of the country.
Turkey,
currently hosting around 4 million displaced Syrian people, has been exposed
also to terrorist attacks of PYD/YPG terrorists, claiming the lives of hundreds
of innocent Turkish civilians on the Turkish side of the border.
During
the last two years, especially from the east of River Euphrates, we have been
exposed to more than hundred cases of attacks or hostile acts by PYD/YPG, the
Syrian offshoot of PKK which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the
EU and NATO.
PYD/YPG
has perpetrated terrorist attacks also within Syria and against Syrians.
Northwest Syria is a particular case in point. More than 200 cases of attacks
and killing or wounding of scores of civilians took place. PYD/YPG-affiliated
elements assumed responsibility in these cases without hesitation.
Turkey
is firmly committed to fighting against all sorts of terrorism originating from
Syria. We have a proven track record in contributing to counter-terrorism
efforts in Syria.
We
are a committed member of the Global Coalition against DEASH. Turkey is the
only country to put a chest-to-chest combat against DEASH with boots on the
ground. We have neutralized more than 4.000 DEASH terrorists on our own. Hence,
Turkey has already conducted two major counter-terrorism operations (Euphrates
Shield and Olive Branch) in northwest Syria.
In
view of the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions in Syria, we
observe a breeding ground for various terrorist organizations, posing a wide
range of threats to the region and beyond. Turkey has spared no effort to help
remedy the situation in Syria, in accordance with all the relevant UN Security
Council Resolutions, particularly by fighting against terrorism in all its form
and manifestations.
Turkey’s
national security has been under the direct and imminent threat of terrorist
organizations operations in the east of Euphrates in Syria, among which DEASH
and PKK/PYD/YPG come at the forefront.
It
is sad to note that the conflicting interests of all the actors on the ground
in Syria made a lasting and all-encompassing solution impossible. In this
context, Turkey’s negotiations with the United States on establishing a safe
zone free from terrorists in northeast Syria along the Turkey-Syria border to
address the legitimate security concerns of Turkey was to no avail despite our
efforts in good will.
In
light of the exigencies and legitimate security concerns of Turkey, she
launched the Operation Peace Spring on 9 October 2019, in line with the right
of self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, to counter the
imminent terrorist threat, to ensure Turkey’s border security, to neutralize
terrorists starting from along the border regions adjacent to Turkish territory
and to liberate Syrians from the tyranny of PKK’s Syrian branch PKK/PYD/YPG as
well as DEASH.
As
has been the case in its previous counter-terrorism operations, Turkey’s response
will be proportionate, measured and responsible.
The
operation is targeting only terrorists and their hideouts, shelters,
emplacements, weapons, vehicles and equipment. All precautions are taken to
avoid collateral damage to the civilian population.
Turkey
is carrying out this operation in support of efforts to facilitate safe and
voluntary returns of displaced Syrians to their homes of origins or other
places of their choice in Syria in line with international law and in
coordination with relevant UN agencies.
We
intend to continue the operation until all terrorists have been wiped out of
the region, our border security has been ensured, and local Syrians have been
liberated from the tyranny of PYD/YPG as well as the DEASH threat.
The
operation also aims to facilitate safe and voluntary returns of displaced
Syrians. A safe zone free from terror will encourage these Syrians, including
more than 300 thousand Syrian Kurds taking refuge in Turkey, to voluntarily
return to their homes.
The
Syrian National Coalition and the Syrian Interim Government as well as tribal
leaders have expressed support for the operation.
Turkey’s
counter-terrorism efforts in Syria will contribute to the territorial integrity
and unity of Syria by disrupting separatist agendas.