Navigator
Facebook
Search
Ads & Recent Photos
Recent Images
Random images
Welcome To Roj Bash Kurdistan 

Turkish minister urges US to 'take dirty hands' off Turkey

A place for discussion and exchanging ideas about Kurdistan issues here, also a place for sharing article & views and analysis about Kurdistan .

Turkish minister urges US to 'take dirty hands' off Turkey

PostAuthor: Anthea » Sun Nov 20, 2022 10:17 am

Turkish Genocide of Kurds

Reports that Turkey has carried out several raids on the armed opposition faction Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sites in Raqqa and the two countrysides of Hasakah and Aleppo in Syria, as well as Sulaymaniyah and Erbil in Iraq

Turkey has launched Operation Claw-Sword with air raids targeting the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in both Iraq and Syria according to Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, while Al Mayadeen's sources noted attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as well.

"We are starting Operation Claw-Sword from now on," Akar said before the planes left their bases to hit the targets.

    Furthermore, Akar said "Terrorists' shelters, bunkers, and caves were cracked down," adding "The claws of our Turkish armed forces were once again on the top of the terrorists."
According to Al Mayadeen sources, the raids also targeted positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Mount Karachuk and a power station in the vicinity of the city of Al-Malikiyah, northeast of Al-Hasakah.

"Turkish raids were carried out on silos in the town of Dahr al-Arab in the Darbasiyah countryside, northwest of Hasakah," the sources noted.

In a related context, Turkey carried out air raids targeting sites of SDF militants in the northern countryside of Aleppo.

The Turkish warplanes also targeted a site of the SDF in Khafiyyat Al-Salem silos, west of Ain Issa district, north of Raqqa.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Syria reported that a Turkish military convoy entered the northern countryside of Aleppo, after Turkish raids on SDF positions in the countrysides of Aleppo and Raqqa, while our correspondent in Iraq said that the strikes launched by Turkey this morning targeted regions in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil.

For its part, the SDF accused Turkey, on Saturday night, of launching airstrikes on the city of Ayn al-Arab. The raids come days after Ankara accused the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) of being behind the Istanbul attack.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... df-pkk-ypg
Last edited by Anthea on Fri Feb 03, 2023 4:10 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Turkish minister urges US to 'take dirty hands' off Turkey

Sponsor

Sponsor
 

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Tue Nov 22, 2022 3:55 am

Possible ground offensive

Turkish military continues to hit Kurdish targets after three people killed in cross-border rocket attack

Turkey could expand military operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria to include a land incursion, president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, threatening to escalate tensions in a region where US and Russian troops are present.

“This is not limited to just an air campaign,” Erdoğan told reporters, according to a readout from his office on Monday, after air strikes targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK) in Iraq and the People’s Protection Units (YPG), its Syrian affiliate. “We will consult with our defence ministry and general staff and decide together the extent to which our land forces need to contribute, then take our steps accordingly.”

Erdoğan has for months threatened a fresh ground offensive against the YPG, which he says poses a national security risk for Turkey. Government officials said the air strikes against almost 90 PKK and YPG targets were in retaliation for a bomb attack in central Istanbul that killed six people and wounded 81 others last week.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 35 people were killed in the strikes over the weekend. The Turkish defence ministry said it was continuing its “response” on Monday after shelling from northern Syria hit a Turkish residential area near the border, killing two people.

Turkey is in contact with the other countries that have troops in Syria, Erdoğan said, but added he did not alert either US president Joe Biden or Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the strikes. Biden and Erdoğan met on the sidelines of last week’s G20 summit.

A large-scale land operation could strain ties with the US, which arms and trains the Syrian Democratic Forces to fight Isis. It could also affect relations with Russia, whose troops have operated in areas controlled by the YPG since 2019, when Turkey last sent in troops to expel militants.

US support for the SDF, which is dominated by the YPG militia, has plagued Turkey’s relationship with its Nato ally. Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organisation because of its links with the PKK, which has waged a four-decade insurgency for autonomy inside Turkey and is listed as a terror group by Washington. In his remarks to reporters Erdoğan also expressed frustration with Russia for not doing more to “clean up the terrorists” in northern Syria.

Turkey has invaded Syria four times since 2016 to fight the YPG and Isis and now controls a large tract of the Arab state’s territory. It is one of the last backers of opposition fighters who have sought to topple President Bashar al-Assad, who is supported by Russia and Iran, since the country’s civil war began in 2011.

On Monday, a child, a teacher was killed after Kurdish shelling hit a school in the border town of Karkamiş, said interior minister Süleyman Soylu. A 5-year-old child was also killed when his home was struck, and an MP from the opposition Republican People’s party wrote on Twitter that the child was his nephew. Soylu added that a pregnant woman who had been initially counted in the death toll was being treated in hospital.

The American embassy in Ankara expressed condolences over the loss of life in Karkamış and expressed rare US criticism of its Kurdish allies. “We strongly condemn this violence and unjustifiable attack,” it said in a post on Twitter.

Turkey’s defence ministry tweeted that the armed forces were “responding to the attack in multitude”.

The ministry said it had “neutralised” several militants in the weekend’s air strikes, including senior fighters. Syrian Kurdish administrative officials said on Sunday that 11 civilians and 15 Syrian government soldiers were killed by the bombardment, but did not say how many of its fighters died.

Erdoğan has also denied that a military campaign is aimed at garnering support ahead of next year’s presidential and parliamentary elections. His government enjoys broad backing for its military operations against the PKK, and another land offensive into Syria could boost support for Erdoğan’s ruling party, which has faced a steep decline in popularity over its handling of a crisis-ridden economy.

https://www.ft.com/content/3ffb9893-4cf ... da67cb9bfd
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Nov 23, 2022 2:53 am

Artillery duel between SDF and Turkey

Al Mayadeen correspondent in Syria confirms the fall of 7 missiles coming from areas of the SDF militants inside Turkish territory on the border with Syria

"Seven missiles originating from the areas of the SDF militants fell in the northern countryside of Aleppo, inside Turkish territory, on the border with Syria," Al Mayadeen correspondent in Syria stated on tuesday.

"Turkish artillery shelling targeted the city of Tal Rifat and the Menagh military airport in the northern countryside of Aleppo" following the missile attack, the correspondent added without giving details about the targets or losses.

Al Mayadeen correspondent in Syria reported on Sunday that Turkish warplanes bombed a number of villages in the northern countryside of Aleppo and north of Al-Raqqa.

Our correspondent said the Turkish army shelled several villages in the northern countryside of Aleppo and fired missile barrages at the positions of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Al-Malikiyah area, north of Al-Hasakah, and Ain Issa area, north of Al-Raqqa.

    The large scale air raids campaign by Turkey on areas across Northern and Eastern #Syria since this weekend show us that these attacks are approved by Russia & the U.S. as #Turkey is using the airspace that is controlled by both the U.S. and Russia #TwitterKurds https://t.co/R7qhX6oXxz
    — Cahîda Dêrsim (@dersi4m) November 22, 2022
Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday that a missile attack that targeted a Turkish city bordering Syria resulted in three deaths.

The minister stated that the missiles targeted the Turkish city of Karkamis, killing a child in addition to two others, while six were injured.

Al Mayadeen correspondent stated that Turkish authorities accuse the PKK and the SDF of firing missiles at Turkish territory from northern Syria.

Earlier today, Turkish drones targeted in a first a joint base belonging to the International Coalition and the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the western Al-Hasakah Dam, killing two SDF members and wounding 3 others.

Al Mayadeen's sources confirmed that the bombing targeted the headquarters of the SDF Special Forces a few meters away from the headquarters of the US occupation's base in the Life Stone resort and the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi. 

The wave of Turkish operations comes without any noticeable ground movements so far, despite previous hints made by Turkish President Recep Erdogan that the "Claw-Sword" air operation will not remain confined to airstrikes and that Turkey is currently studying the number of forces that may participate in a ground operation, with Turkish media leaks suggesting that preparation for the ground invasion had already started, and the issue of its official launch is just a matter of time.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... yside:-rep
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Nov 23, 2022 3:10 am

Turkey should show restraint

ASTANA, Kazakhstan - Russia on Tuesday said it hoped Turkey would exercise "restraint" and refrain from "any excessive use of force" in Syria, where Ankara has carried out air strikes and is threatening to launch a ground offensive against Kurdish fighters

"We hope to convince our Turkish colleagues to refrain from resorting to excessive use of force on Syrian territory" to "avoid the escalation of tensions", Alexander Lavrentyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy on Syria, told reporters in Astana.

Turkey on Sunday launched a series of air raids targeting bases of outlawed Kurdish militants across northern Syria and Iraq.

At least 37 people were killed in the strikes, according to a report by Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Russia has for months ... done everything possible to prevent any large-scale ground operation," Lavrentyev said in the Kazakh capital, which is hosting a tripartite meeting between Russia, Turkey and Iran on Syria.

The three countries are major players in the war in Syria, which has claimed nearly half a million lives since 2011.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been threatening to launch a new military operation in northern Syria since May.

"We will make those who disturb us on our territory pay," he said on Monday, adding that consultations were ongoing "to decide the level of force that should be used by our ground forces".

The Turkish air offensive, codenamed Operation Claw-Sword, came a week after a blast in central Istanbul killed six people and wounded 81, an attack Turkey has blamed on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/22112022
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Nov 23, 2022 3:44 am

International voices against Erdogan

International voices and statements against the war of the Erdogan regime against the Kurds in Northeast Syria and Northern Iraq since the late hours of 19 November

The Turkish airstrikes also hit the city of Kobani. In the attacks, among numerous targets, civilian infrastructure was also hit.

There are always military attacks and occupation by the Turkish army prior to the elections & referendums under the Erdogan regime; 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, again prior to next year’s election, Erdogan wants to keep his regime alive through war policies

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament:

“The Turkish air strikes we have seen in northern Syria and Iraq following the bombing in Istanbul are taking more lives and causing more bloodshed. I call on the Turkish authorities to show restraint and respect international law and standards.”

The Socialists and Democrats Group in EU

“The European Parliament President accepted requests to condemn the Turkish aggression in North-East Syria & the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It is unacceptable to violate international law. Our deepest condolences to the Kurdish and Turkish population, victims of the latest escalation.”

Alev Demirel, MEP

“For two days now, the Turkish military has once again been bombing Kurdish areas in northern Syria and northern Iraq. Civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, are also targets of these attacks. The number of dead and injured increases with each attack.

The bombings take place in the areas where Russia and the USA control the airspace. So both countries must have given the green light for this aggression. So it must not have been a coincidence that Erdoğan gave the order for this attack on the return flight of his Asia trip, where he met US President Biden among others.”

Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP

“No Turkish domestic security concerns legitimate as it might be, justifies a night air raid on a foreign city.

Demetris Papadakis, MEP, S&D

“Turkey bombs Kurdish militants and Kobani which defeated ISIS in 2014. This is how international community expresses its gratitude to the liberators of Kobani from ISIS? It should not remain silent towards such violations of international law. Act Now!

Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP

Erdogan is violating international law, killing civilians and undermining the fight against terror.

GUE/EUL – Unified European Left Group

“President Erdoğan and his nationalist allies are in tremendous difficulty due to economic crisis and many other structural issues plaguing the country. Mobilizing people around another attack on the Kurds in Syria may help Erdoğan to consolidate his nationalist base in the run up to the upcoming elections, and maybe even increase his votes, but these attacks are further destroying the already fragile stability in Syria and the broader region, also providing ISIS with fresh air.

They are also making peace prospects in the context of the Kurdish issue in Turkey or elsewhere even more difficult to achieve by political means. The people of Kobane defeated ISIS in 2014 with the sacrifice of thousands of human lives. Many of those who died in the battle of Kobanê were women, who revolutionized their society with the motto of Jin, Jiyan, Azadi!

We understand that Turkey wishes to complete the mission that ISIS failed to accomplish then. This is utterly unacceptable and should be opposed by the whole international community. We were with the people of Kobanê in 2014 and we are fully with them now. We will support them in any way we can in their struggle for the values that we also share: freedom, justice, democracy, and dignity.”

Heinz Bierbaum

“The coordinated airstrikes by Turkish jets on multiple civilian villages in Western Kurdistan, including Kobanê, are extremely unsafe and deserve prompt international attention. The international community should not remain silent in the face of such heinous acts, which are flagrant violations of humanitarian and international law.

The Party of European Left declares its unwavering commitment to maintaining world peace and stability and exhorts all parties to take action to prevent yet another humanitarian catastrophe in the region. We strongly condemn Turkey’s aggression against Syrian Kurds and civilians and support democratic movements in Turkey and abroad.”

Kurdish Solidarity Collective:

The Kurdish solidarity collective condemns Turkish bombardments of Kobane: “The Kurdish movements have explicitly denied any involvement in the Istanbul attack. It is clear the latest military onslaught is part of Erdogen’s cynical attempt to divert attention from his failed policies and the collapse of the Turkish economy.

With his popularity at its lowest, Erdogan’s AKP and his MHP allies have resorted to their usual dirty tricks campaigns to falsely accuse without evidence. (…) We call upon the UN, EU and all international allies of the Kurdish people to denounce the ongoing attacks on the Kurdish people.”

EU Turkey Civic Commission

“The catastrophic political situation in Turkey and the upcoming elections in 2023 add up to this. The so-called opposition is silent on the military offensive; in its anti-Kurdish actions, it agrees with the government.

To date, silence has also been on the agenda of the international community, above all the European Union and the Council of Europe. International law does not seem to apply when it comes to Turkey – a member of NATO and the Council of Europe and a candidate for EU membership.

Turkey’s war crimes must not remain without consequences. Toughest sanctions and an immediate no-fly zone are essential. The international community is now called upon to act and especially the United Nations, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the European Union and the United States to force their partner to comply with its legal obligations. There must be no hesitation.”

The French Communist Party

PCF released a statement denouncing the invading Turkish state’s attacks on Western Kurdistan. “The Turkish government has long been seeking to launch an attack against the Syrian Kurds before the presidential elections which seem to be challenging for the Republic of Turkey.

Having brought his country to the verge of bankruptcy, Erdoğan blamed the PKK and the PYD, which condemned this terrorist act, for the heinous attack in Istanbul. Ankara had acted in a similar way when it ordered the murder of three Kurdish activists in Paris. This regime resorts to barbaric actions to achieve its criminal goals,” the statement said.

Danielle Simonnet

“Emergency! Yesterday Erdogan’s Turkey bombed hospitals, schools and other civilian targets in the border area of northern Syria and northern Iraq. The UN, the anti-EI coalition, the EU and France must demand an end to Turkish military aggression against the Kurdish people!”

Ricarda Lang, German Green Party

Speaking to the press, she said she had the impression that the attack was being used by the Turkish president “as an excuse for the current bombardments of the Kurdish areas in Syria and northern Iraq. We cannot accept that a NATO state reacts to a terrible crime with military attacks that violate international law. These attacks “also seem to be motivated primarily by domestic politics”, said Lang.

Janine Wissler, Chairperson of DIE LINKE

“Erdogan is allowing the Kurdish areas to be bombed. Hediye Abdullah was a loud voice for Rojava and against Turkish drone attacks on the Kurdish areas. Hediye Abdullah was killed in the attacks over the weekend. The German government must not look away, but must clearly condemn these criminal attacks by NATO partner Turkey and stop arms exports.”

Source: Twitter

Frank Schwabe, Member of the German Bundestag, SPD, SPD Parliamentary Group Leader:

“Turkey must immediately cease its attacks on Kurds in Syria, which are contrary to international law. An attack, even if the authorship had been clarified, must in no case be used as a pretext for such a brutal military action.”

Source: Twitter

Gökay Akbulut, Member of the German Bundestag, Die LINKE:

“Turkey’s attacks on Kurdish positions must be stopped immediately! Turkey’s military actions are to be considered an illegal war of aggression. The Erdogan regime is repeatedly violating international law. These attacks are not in self-defence or to settle accounts for the bombing in Istanbul. This is because all the accused Kurdish organisations have independently condemned the attack and denied responsibility. Rather, it looks like the Turkish government is using the attack as a welcome opportunity to legitimise and expand its attacks against Kurdish positions in northern Syria and northern Iraq. (…)

Source: www.goekay-akbulut.de

Sevim Dagdelen, MP, DIE LINKE:

Erdogan’s war of aggression against Kurds in Syria, who helped defeat IS, needs a clear edge in response instead of cooperation with the AKP-MHP regime. During her visit to Turkey, Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser must clearly press for an end to the NATO partner’s attacks, which violate international law.

Source: Twitter

NORWAY

The Red Party in Norway:

“The Norwegian government follow the parliamentary majority and take active measures to stop Turkey’s war of aggression. The government must condemn the Turkish invasion, raise the matter in the UN Security Council, and confront the Erdogan regime at the NATO meeting in Romania next week. Norway can help stop the Turkish war of aggression before even more civilians are killed and more are affected by ethnic cleansing. If we remain silent when our NATO ally breaks the UN’s ban on war of aggression, both international law and Norway’s credibility as a defender of international law are undermined.”

Source: Press

SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA

PODEMOS:

Excerpts from the long statement: “The destabilising potential of the Turkish military campaign is enormous and could have very serious consequences for the Kurdish people and for the peoples of Europe. We therefore call on the international community, including the EU and its Member States, to denounce these events and to take the necessary political and diplomatic measures to ensure the cessation of the operation by Turkey, as well as an independent investigation of the facts and accountability for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The EU and Member States must prioritise in their relations with Turkey, as in all their foreign policy, the defence of peace, democracy and human rights.”

Source: https://podemos.info/

Eulàlia Reguant Cura, Member of the Parliament of Catalonia, CUP:

“Turkey uses the resort of violence against the Kurds before an election: in 2015 after the AKP lost its majority and before the repeat election, in 2017 before the presidential referendum, in 2018 before the presidential, in 2019 before the municipal…”

Source: Twitter

Ima Garrastatxu, the mayor of Durango and Julián Ríos, the deputy mayor of Durango:

The Basque municipality of Durango twinned with Kobane in 2017. Since then, there has been an intense and meaningful exchange between the two cities. On 21 Nov., the mayor of Durango, Ima Garrastatxu, and the deputy mayor, Julián Ríos, met online with Rewsan Khalil Abdi, co-mayor of Kobane and Roisin Mahmud, responsible for all the municipalities of the canton of Kobane, to convey the solidarity of the Durango people in the face of the Turkish attacks.

Source: Youtube

SWITZERLAND

Fabian Molina, National Councillor SP Switzerland:

“President Erdogan has wrecked Turkey economically. Now he is trying to deflect. The criminal attacks on Rojava and other Kurdish areas must have consequences. Freedom and the international legal order must be protected – always!”

Source: Twitter

Andreas Schieder, MEP, SPÖ Head of Delegation in the European Parliament S&D:

“So sad and dangerous: Tonight Turkish attacks started, not only on Kobanê, but also in other cities in Rojava and Iraq. This Turkish bombing of the “safe” areas of northern Syria threatens the whole region. We call for an immediate stop of this hostilities.”

Source: Twitter

Françoiş Alfonsi, MEP, Greens/European Free Alliance:

"Turkey bombs Kobanî in Syrian Kurdistan in “retaliation” for the Istanbul bombing without any credible information to establish Kurdish responsibility. In fact, it was a set-up to justify the invasion of Syrian Kurdistan and Northern Iraq with the use of chemical weapons."

Source: Twitter

Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP, Vice-chair GUE/NGL:

“Right now, the Turkish military is bombing Kurdish areas in Syria. #Erdogan must not get away with this blatant violation of international law that will weaken the fight against IS and terrorism. Denmark, NATO and the EU must speak out! #SaveKobane #TurkeyAttacksRojava #dkpol #eudk”

Source: Twitter

Martin Schirdewan, MEP, Co-President GUE/NGL:

“Turkey has bombed Rojava massively tonight. Erdoğan is attacking those who are fighting ISIS. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wants to talk about “terrorism” in Ankara tomorrow. This visit must be cancelled! There is also a limit to hypocrisy.”

Source: Twitter

Sergey Lagodinsky, MEP, Greens/EFA, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee:

“I am extremely worried about this development. As I recently said during the hearing in the European Parliament, no security concerns justify human rights and international law violations. I hope for restraint and adherence to international law.”

Source: Twitter

Ana Miranda, MEP, Greens/EFA Group:

“If the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS is against this illegal war, then its members must immediately take strong steps through economic, political, diplomatic, and legal measures to force Turkey to comply with international law.”

Source: Twitter

Miguel Urbán Crespo, MEP, GUE/NGL

“Turkey bombs again Kobane under unfounded accusations. We denounce Erdogan’s state terrorism against Kurdistan. The EU must stop being complicit in Turkey’s repression against the Kurdish people and the other peoples of northern and eastern Syria!”

Source: Twitter

Katrin Langensiepen, MEP, Greens/EFA:

“I was in the Rojava region about 14 days ago. The local people are living in poverty, but they are also trying to build democratic structures. The development and stabilisation of the region is being destroyed by such attacks by Turkey.”

Source: Twitter

Massimiliano Smeriglio, MEP, S&D:

“Right now the Turkish army is bombing Kobane in Syrian Kurdistan. Let’s stop a new massacre. In all international fora we call on Erdogan to stop now.”

Source: Twitter

European Free Alliance (EFA):

“EFA strongly condemns Turkey’s continued attacks against Kurdistan including the latest attacks on Kobani. These attacks in North East Syria threaten stability across the entire region and weakens the fight against ISIS. Europe must act.”

Source: Twitter

AUSTRIA

Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic, MP, Greens, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs:

"Massive attacks by Turkish air force on city centre of Kobane & some already thought President Erdogan is a peacemaker lately. We can’t let Turkey get away with this, it’s not a fight against terror, it’s Kurds."

Source: Twitter

FRANCE

Pierre Laurent, Senator of Paris, Vice-President of the Senate, President of the National Council of the PCF:

Last night, #Erdogan bombed several civilian infrastructures in northern Syria #Rojava and in #KurdistanIraq. The international community must condemn these acts of violence and demand that #Turkey stop them as soon as possible! #KurdistanUnderAttack

Source: Twitter

Laurence Cohen, member of the French Senate since 2011 for PCF:

“Turkish army attack against Kurds in Rojava, in Kobane. Our Kurdish friends have been and are a bulwark against obscurantism. They are at the origin of the slogan taken up by the Iranian people #WomenLifeFreedom. Let’s condemn this new offensive @RTErdogan”

Source: Twitter

Laurence Patrice, Deputy Mayor of Paris:

“Full support to our Kurdish friends who are again targeted by Turkish attacks in Rojava. The international community must react urgently!”

Source: Twitter

GERMANY

Max Lucks, MP, Greens Group Turkey Policy Spokesperson:

“There is no justification for breaches of international law. That is why there is no justification for Turkey’s new bombardments in Syria and Iraq. The destabilisation of an entire region by a NATO partner is completely unacceptable.”

Source: Twitter

Dietmar Bartsch, MP, Die Linke., Chairman of the Left parliamentary group:

“While the world looks at Qatar, NATO partner Turkey bombs Rojava. Shameless! The German government must take a clear stand immediately! #istandwithrojava”

Source: Twitter

Ulrich Lechte, MP, Foreign Affairs Spokesman of the FDP parliamentary group:

“#Erdogan attacks Kurdish areas in & in violation of international law, at the same time marches into the Kurdish city of #Mahabad. In both cases, high numbers of civilian casualties are to be expected. I condemn this indiscreet action: We must finally look and act.”

Source: Twitter

Berîvan Aymaz, Greens, Member of the NRW Federal State Parliament, Vice-President of the NRW Federal State Parliament:

“Clear words also from FDP against the violence in Iran and from Turkey against Kurds. Dear SPD do you have another statement? Will the interior minister’s Nancy Faeser meeting with her Turkish counterpart take place despite these devastating developments?”

Source: Twitter

Bodo Ramelow, Prime Minister of the Free State of Thuringia:

“NATO partner Turkey is attacking two states militarily and the NATO countries are deafeningly silent. Iran, Iraq, Syria – Kurdish people are obviously fair game. The international community is silent. I find this outrageous.”

Source: Twitter

Jürgen Trittin, MP, Greens:

“Election campaign against with attacks on other countries against international law – autocrats like #Erdogan and #putin following the same recipe. #Kurdistan”

Source: Twitter

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, MP, FDP, Chair of the Defence Committee in the Bundestag:

“It is unbearable that Turkey is currently attacking the Kurdish autonomous regions again in an uncontrolled manner, without justification and without any evidence. This is inhumane and unacceptable. We cannot let a NATO partner show us up like this.

Source: Twitter

Bernd Riexinger, MP, DIE LINKE., 2012 to 2021 Party Chair:

“Turkey carried out massive bombardments against Kurds in #Rojava in northern Syria last night. I condemn these attacks, which violate international law, in the strongest possible terms. The German government must not remain silent.”

Source: Twitter

Cem Özdemir, MP, Greens, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture:

“The bombing in Istanbul must be investigated independently. Erdogan’s bombs on Kurds who successfully fought IS terrorists are meant to distract from the economic disaster in Turkey.”

Source: Twitter

Berîvan Aymaz, Greens, Member of the NRW Federal State Parliament, Vice-President of the NRW Federal State Parliament:

“Hello world public, currently the people who brought the feminist call for freedom #JinJiyanAzadi into the world will defy autocrats, v. #Iran & der #Türkei attacked simultaneously, with a green light from Russia. Solidarity with the Kurdish people!”

Source: Twitter

Die LINKE., meeting of representatives of all regional associations:

“Unanimous decision of the federal committee Die Linke, meeting of representatives of all regional associations with the heading “Solidarity with the Kurds under attack!

Source: Twitter

GREEN YOUTH (GRÜNE JUGEND):

“Today is a black day: We strongly condemn the attacks of the Islamist Iranian regime on the people of Mahabad and the attacks of Turkey on the Kurds in Rojava! BIJÎ BERXWEDANA KURDISTANÊ!”

Source: Twitter

Medico International, aid organisation:

“Turkey is bombing the north-east of Syria, including the town centre of Kobane, the town that stands more than any other for the liberation of the region from Islamic State – liberated by the very people who are now being bombed by Turkey. Despicable!”

Source: Twitter

ITALY

Amedeo Ciaccheri, President of Rome Municipality VIII.:

“Turkish bombs against Kobane. Erdogan besieges the capital of global resistance to ISIS fundamentalism. There is a criminal operation going on in Rojava and if it doesn’t stop, we will pay dearly. European diplomacy is needed. #TurkeyAttacksRojava #DefendKobani #defendRojava”

Source: Twitter

Nicola Fratoianni, National Secretary of Sinistra Italiana:

“A violent aggression in the silence of the international community that pretends not to see the atrocities of #Erdogan. Italy, the EU and the US must have a jolt of dignity, with the same attention with which they are following Putin’s aggression against Ukraine”

Source: Twitter

Maurizio Acerbo, national secretary of Rifondazione Comunista – European Left:

“We call on the Italian government and the European Union to condemn the Turkish aggression and demand the immediate cessation of the Turkish attacks. (…) NATO’s second army unleashed a bombing and military offensive against the city which pushed back Isis and Rojava’s Autonomous Administration. The bombings hit the civilian population, schools, hospitals. Eleven thousand Kurdish fighters fell to stop Isis and Al Qaeda who had the support of Turkey and Qatar. Now Erdogan is using the massacre in Istanbul, probably the work of the Turkish secret services themselves, as a justification for bombing the free territories of Rojava and erasing an experience of self-government and coexistence among peoples which is an example for the peoples of the whole area.”

Source: http://www.rifondazione.it

Giuliano Granato, spokesman for Potere al Popolo:

“Turkey is bombing Kobane, a city symbolic of the fight against ISIS. This is how Erdogan starts his election campaign, killing and destroying. And our governments keep quiet. After all, Turkey is a NATO country and blocks migrants, who cares about the Kurds.”

Source: Twitter

Giorgio Marasà, Head of Foreign Affairs Sinistra Italiana (Italian Left):

“Kobane, the symbolic city of the ISIS fight, is under attack along with the cities of Rojava. This too is war and once again the victim is the Kurdish people. The aggressor is Erdogan’s Turkey. Any silence and any underestimation is complicit, unacceptable and shameful.”

Source: Twitter

Sinistra Civica Ecologista Roma (Ecologist Civic Left Rome):

"Today the Turkish army dropped bombs on Kobani in Syrian Kurdistan. No more bombs! Always on the side of the Kurdish people our brothers, our sisters."

Source: Twitter

Zerocalcare (stage name of Michele Rech), Cartoonist:

“As expected, the attack on Kobane and various cities in Rojava started tonight (in the next few days I may retweet a little more than usual)”

Source: Twitter

SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA

Lorena López de Lacalle, President of the European Free Alliance (EFA):

“@EFAparty is with @HDP_Europe & the Kurdish people in our common unrelentless commitment to Peace and Justice. We firmly condemn Erdogan’s regime and its military attacks in third countries, occupation, imprisonment, torture, assassinations.”

Source: Twitter

Gorka Elejabarrieta Diaz, Basque Senator in Madrid, Director of International Relations Department EH Bildu:

“We firmly reject the new attacks launched by Turkey against Rojava and North Iraq. Turkey is once again targeting the Kurdish people and in particular the city of Kobane, which defeated the Islamic State in 2015. These attacks are in violation of international and humanitarian law and we therefore ask Turkey to stop targeting civilians. The international community and, in particular, the European Union as well as the Spanish state, should firmly condemn these attacks. Tomorrow, Monday, we will bring the issue to the Senate. Likewise, EH Bildu will organize initiatives to denounce the attacks in the institutions of the Basque Country.”

Source: Twitter and Press

Antón Gómez-Reino, Vice-president of Foreign Affairs Committee in Spanish Congress, PODEMOS

“The new aggression suffered by the Kurdish people and in particular the city and region of Kobane and Rojava at the hands of Turkey is absolutely unacceptable. From the Congress and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish government we are following with worry and also indignation the bombing carried out by Turkey. Bombings that violate international laws and therefore should be firmly condemned by the international community and in particular the European Union as well as the Spanish state. Tomorrow, Monday, we will present initiatives so that the Congress clearly condemn the new aggression carried out by the regime of President Erdogan and the Turkish state against the Kurdish people and, ultimately, against human rights and international law.”

Source: Twitter and Press

Eulàlia Reguant Cura, Member of the Parliament of Catalonia, CUP:

“At midnight on November 20, Turkish warplanes began bombing hospitals, schools and other civilian targets in and around Kobanê . Turkish warplanes have also attacked wheat storage in nearby regions. Once again, the Turkish state is launching an offensive against the Kurds to distract attention from the problems of two decades of uncontrolled regime by Erdogan and the AKP. Turkey is the second power of NATO, therefore, it acts with the connivance of the international community. The Kurdish movement makes a call to mobilize and denounce once again Erdogan’s violence against the Kurdish people and specifically, against the Rojava revolution, and the administration of North and East Syria. Today more than ever with the Kurdish people. #TurkeyAttacksRojava + #NoFlyZone4Rojava”

Source: Twitter

Eva Miguel Gascón, Tarragona City Council of the CUP:

“Erdogan bombs Kobani thus starting what will be an electoral campaign stained with Kurdish blood. Maximum solidarity!”

Source: Twitter

SWEDEN

Håkan Svenneling, MP, Left Party, Spokesperson for foreign affairs:

“Turkey is now attacking Kobane and other Kurdish-dominated cities in northeastern Syria and Sinjar in northern Iraq. A clear violation of international law and the sovereignty of neighboring countries, a violation that puts millions of peoples homes at risk. (…) Sweden has now clearly ended up on the wrong side of history. Instead of praising and supporting those who fight for democracy and people’s freedom, we now militarily support the aggressor Turkey with weapons. When the Swedish government lets them down, they end up groveling for Erdoğan. They betray those who protected us and adapt Swedish foreign policy to try and satisfy an authoritarian despot. (…) Through the Swedish government’s actions and renunciation they are legitimizing Erdoğan’s attacks. He now knows he can push the Swedish government around in ways he otherwise couldn’t have. It’s not a question of symbolism – it’s about human lives.”

Source: Press

Daniel Riazat, Member of the Swedish Parliament. Vänsterpartiet (Left Party) Daniel Riazat:

“The YPG liberated Kobanê after a long and painful struggle against IS/Daesh. There, a new feminist and intercultural people’s government was launched. Now Turkey has launched heavy aerial bombardments of Kobanê against the YPG. This is so incredibly disgusting!”

Source: Twitter

Håkan Svenneling, MP, Left Party, Spokesperson for foreign affairs:

“Erdoğan logic: Create an external enemy to fool the people that he will lead Turkey despite its flawed governance.”

Source: Twitter

SWITZERLAND

Cédric Wermuth, National Councillor, Co-President of the SP Switzerland:

“The attack of the NATO state Turkey against the Kurds is despicable and must be condemned without any ifs and buts. We expect a clear reaction from all governments of the EU, NATO and Switzerland. For freedom and democracy always, but please be consistent! #Kurdistan”

Source: Twitter

USA

Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator for Maryland:

“Here we go again. Erdogan has been saying for months that Turkey would attack our Syrian Kurdish allies who led the fight against ISIS (see below). No one should be fooled now that he is doing so. Biden Admin should speak out forcefully.”

Source: Twitter
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Nov 24, 2022 12:42 pm

Turkish airstrikes in Syria

The United States late Wednesday warned that the increased frequency of Turkish airstrikes in northern Syria directly threatens US personnel in the region, while expressing deep concern about the upsurge in hostilities in the region, the Pentagon said in a statement

Turkey launched Operation Claw-Sword targeting Kurdish positions in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region from the skies on Sunday. The operation has led to a barrage of dozens of drones and airstrikes targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which presents a danger to US personnel as they maintain a presence in the proximity of the area.

"Recent airstrikes in Syria directly threaten the safety of U.S. personnel who are working in Syria with local partners to defeat ISIS [Islamic State] and maintain custody of more than ten thousand ISIS detainees," Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said in a statement, adding that the US is "deeply concerned" by the escalations in northern Syria, Iraq, and Turkey.

The US Central Command on Wednesday said that a deadly Turkish drone strike against a joint Kurdish-American base that killed 2 SDF fighters put American forces in northern Syria in danger.

"We have received additional information that there was a new risk to US troops and personnel," CENTCOM said on Wednesday without further clarification.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price reiterated Ryder's calls, urging for "an immediate de-escalation in northern Syria" and stressing that such attacks pose a risk to civilians and US personnel in the region.

Ryder added that the escalation also "threatens the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's years-long progress to degrade and defeat ISIS," after SDF media head Farhad Shami tweeted that the Kurdish force is suffering a setback in its mission to pursue ISIS remnants as it remains preoccupied with defending against the Turkish strikes.
    Due to our forces' preoccupation with addressing the Turkish occupation, they cannot continue their mission of pursuing ISIS cells. Currently, we're forced to be preoccupied with confronting Turkish aggression.
    Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the SDF
    — Farhad Shami (@farhad_shami) November 23, 2022
"As we call for de-escalation, we recognize Turkey's legitimate security concerns," Ryder stated, with Turkey reiterating that the operation aims to target People's Protection Units (YPG) and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) positions in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region – two groups which Turkey has designated as a terrorist organization which threatens its security and stability.

The PKK is a Kurdish armed group fighting for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey. Turkish forces regularly pursue the PKK, as well as individuals believed to be affiliated with the group through the use of drones, airstrikes, and targeted assassinations. It also considers the YPG as the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey would launch a ground operation in Syria "when convenient," warning that the aerial incursion was "just the beginning" during a meeting in Ankara as Turkish artillery strikes pounded the Kurdish city of Kobane in northern Syria, causing severe destruction to civilian infrastructure including a hospital.

At least 11 civilians have been killed by Turkish airstrikes in northern Syria since Ankara launched the aerial offensive on Sunday, according to data sent to Rudaw English by the Rojava Information Center (RIC).

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/24112022
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Nov 25, 2022 5:32 pm

Turkey to continue operation

Turkey wants to continue shelling Syria and Iraq and violate their rule of law as Russia underlines the importance of respecting the agreements about Syria

Turkey is planning to continue its military operation aimed at "eliminating terrorist bases" in northern Iraq and Syria, the country's foreign ministry said on Thursday following a phone call between Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu with his finish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto.

"Today, November 24, Minister Cavusoglu also underlined that our fight against terrorism will decisively be continued under operation Claw-Sword," the ministry told Sputnik.

The Turkish Defense Ministry said earlier in the week that Turkish warplanes carried out air strikes on Kurdish militant bases in northern Syria and northern Iraq and destroyed 89 targets.

In a statement, the ministry said the strikes targeted bases of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the People's Defense Units (YPG), which Turkey says is a wing of the PKK.

Ankara also explained that the air strikes were carried out in Qandil, Asos, and Hakurk in Iraq and Kobani, Tal Rifat, Cizire, and Derik in Syria.

It claimed that the 89 targets destroyed included shelters, tunnels, and ammunition depots, indicating that "many terrorists were neutralized," including "so-called directors of the terrorist organization."

Sputnik reported, citing local sources, that three Syrian soldiers were killed in airstrikes carried out by Turkish forces in the northern Syrian province of Al-Hasakah.

"Three Syrian Arab Army soldiers were killed and several were wounded in Turkish airstrikes on a number of villages in the Al-Hasakah province," the sources said.

The Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed media reports, adding that there were losses among Syrian military personnel as a result of Ankara's airstrikes in Aleppo and Al-Hasakah provinces.

The Turkish foreign ministry further said the phone call between Cavusoglu and his Finnish counterpart, in which they discussed the enlargement, as well as recent developments in Ukraine and the UN-brokered grain deal between Moscow and Kiev aimed at facilitating the shipment of grain from the Ukrainian ports.

Complying with Syria agreement important

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Aka, during a phone call with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, claimed that Ankara's priority in northern Syria was preventing terrorist threats, with both parties complying with the agreements.

"In the context of Syria, Minister Akar emphasized that the necessary response had been and would be given against the intensifying persecution and attacks aimed at destabilizing the stability in the region, and actions directed against Turkish civilian settlements and citizens," the Turkish military said in a statement.

"According to him, preventing the terrorist threat and neutralizing terrorist organizations is the country's top priority," the statement added.

The two top officials also underlined that it was important to respect the agreements previously reached on Syria in light of Turkey's offensives in the country's north.

The United States, the country occupying parts of Syria and left Iraq in shambles after an occupation that lasted nearly two decades, condemned the Turkish airstrikes on the two countries. 

The spokesperson for the US Department of Defense stated that the US continues to disapprove of any military intervention that would "destabilize Syria or violate Iraq's sovereignty" through military engagements that are not coordinated with the Iraqi government.

It is of note that the US currently occupies oil-rich regions in Syria in violation of international law.

The persistent war against ISIS and its prevention from reemerging are among the key objectives that are jeopardized by Turkey's activities, the Pentagon spokesperson continued.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... -north-syr
Last edited by Anthea on Fri Nov 25, 2022 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Nov 25, 2022 5:38 pm

Turkey to create security belt

The Turkish leader stresses that the "safety zone" will be established along the border "from the west to the east."

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Friday to create a "security zone" in Syria in a bid to ward off Kurdish groups from carrying out terrorist attacks on Turkish civilians residing near the Syrian border. 

The Turkish President stated that the "safe zone" will include the Syrian border city of Ayn Al-Arab.

Since November 20, Turkey has been carrying out a series of airstrikes against targeted Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq following the terrorist attack on November 13, which left six people dead and 81 injured in Istanbul. 

Turkey blamed the attack on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), but the Kurdish groups denied any responsibility for the attack.

"With the security (zone) we are establishing on the other side of our border, we are also protecting the rights of millions of women and children," Erdogan said during a televised speech to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

"God willing we will complete this (zone) along the border from the west to the east as soon as possible," he added.

On August 8, Erdogan reiterated the intention to re-establish a "security zone" with a 30-kilometer security line on the country's southern border.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... n-southern
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Nov 30, 2022 2:53 am

Turkish operation any moment

Ankara is waiting for the right time to carry out the expected ground operation against Kurdish forces in Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani), said a Turkish presidential spokesperson on Tuesday, adding that this could happen “at any moment.”

Turkey launched an aerial offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria on November 20, expanding it to the country’s northeastern towns the following days. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that a ground operation could take place “soon.” 

The military campaign came days after a blast in Istanbul’s bustling Taksim square killed six people and injured 81 others. Turkey has blamed the People’s Protection Units (YPG), backbone of the US-supported SDF, for the attack but the group has strongly denied involvement. 

Ibrahim Kalin, Erdogan’s top advisor and spokesperson, told a pro-government broadcaster on Tuesday that the ground operation in Syria “could happen tomorrow, next week, earlier, later, or at any moment.”  

“Turkey has to evaluate the threats, the evaluations made by the Turkish Armed Forces, information gathered by the intelligence agency, and developments on the ground,” he added. 

Mazloum Abdi, general commander of the SDF, told reporters during an online press conference on Tuesday that Ankara is preparing its Syrian mercenaries for the expected offensive. 

“Regarding the ground operation, they [Turkey] insist on going ahead with it. We know that they are preparing for that. They are also preparing Syrian groups which have invaded [parts] of the region for the offensive,” he said.

The potential offensive will have many negative impacts on all Syrians and displaced at least a million people, warned Abdi.

Ankara has carried out three major military operations against the SDF in Syria since 2016, invading several Kurdish towns, such as Afrin. Syrian armed groups, affiliated to Turkey, have been accused of committing human rights violations, killings and abductions as well as forcing the displacement of Kurds.

Turkey claims that the YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) - armed group struggling for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey but designated as a terrorist group by Ankara. Turkish authorities have claimed that these groups pose a threat to its national security, demanding the establishment of a 30-km-deep “security zone” in northern Syria.

"We have reduced the number of partner patrols and ... we do remain deeply concerned about the escalating actions in northern Syria, Iraq and Turkiye. We certainly urge restraint amidst the tensions in this region," he noted. 

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /291120221
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:35 pm

30-km security strip

Turkey will be completing the security strip along its southern border, which is 30 kilometers deep into Syrian territory

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Turkey will be completing the security strip along its southern border, which is 30 kilometers deep into Syrian territory.

Erdogan, speaking at a meeting in southern Sanliurfa province, said that the attacks (by namely the Kurdistan Workers' Party - or the PKK - and the YPG, which is the PKK's branch in Syria) will not deter the country from its determined stance on securing its southern border:

    "We will definitely complete the 30-kilometer-deep security corridor that we are establishing along our southern borders, attacks will not dampen our resolve," he said
Since 2016, Turkey has engaged in three anti-terror operations in northern Syria - which have also consequentially resulted in the occupation of the region. The operations are Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019). 

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the US, and it has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 civilians according to Turkey.

Erdogan underlined on Monday that Turkey is committed to destroying the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) "until its last militant is neutralized."

He further stressed Turkey's determination to establish a 30-kilometer-deep (18.6-mile) security strip next to its borders, on Syrian soil, claiming that it is something Turkey previously sought to do with US and Russian cooperation on its southern border.

"We do not need to get permission from anyone while taking steps concerning the security of our homeland and our people, and we will not be held accountable to anyone," he stressed.

The Turkish President said no one will be able to force Turkey into any position against its own interests in political, diplomatic, economic, and military terms through what he called "empty threats".

He also claimed that no side should be disturbed by Ankara's offensives, which are aimed at "expanding the circle of security and peace."

"We do not have to tolerate the hypocrisy of those who support registered terrorist groups with naming-change games," he said, adding that it is unacceptable for a number of countries to support PKK militants in northern Syria.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... long-syria
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:34 am

Turkish strikes humanitarian crisis
Wladimir van Wilgenburg

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Turkish airstrikes since November 20, 2022, are inflicting damage on densely populated areas and critical infrastructure across north and northeast Syria, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday

    Syrians are already enduring a humanitarian catastrophe, a growing displacement crisis, and an economy in free fall.

    Turkey’s military strikes risk making an already unbearable situation much worse for Kurds, Arabs, and other communities. https://t.co/Q2MgvYtPqq pic.twitter.com/RGdWTfQbui
    — Human Rights Watch (@hrw) December 7, 2022
Moreover, HRW said they are exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis for Kurds, Arabs, and other communities in the region, Human Rights Watch said today.

The strikes have displaced families, caused significant power cuts and fuel shortages, forced aid organizations to temporarily suspend certain activities, and led to school and work disruptions, international humanitarian workers and local residents told Human Rights Watch.

An attack near the Swedieh power plant in the district of Derik on November 23 led to significant power and internet cuts in Derik city and Derik and al-Hasakeh sub-districts, residents and aid workers told Human Rights Watch.

Moreover, HRW said targeting oil and gas facilities has also exacerbated the severe fuel shortages that have already afflicted northeast Syria, leaving civilians struggling to find cooking and heating fuel for the winter. 

“People are living in fear,” a man told HRW who lives with his family near the city of Kobani. “There is a general sense of panic and terror. People are not going to work, children are not going to school.”

His own daughters, ages 5 and 7, have gone to school just 1 day since November 20, he said. “They ran home crying when they heard blasts near their school that day.”

“Turkey’s attacks on populated areas and critical infrastructure across north and northeast Syria (Western Kurdistan) is putting civilians’ basic rights further at risk,” said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

“Syrians are already enduring a humanitarian catastrophe, a growing displacement crisis, and an economy in free fall. Turkey’s military strikes risk making an already unbearable situation much worse for Kurds, Arabs, and other communities.”

At least 11 civilians, including a journalist, were killed in northeast Syria during Turkish airstrikes that were launched on Nov 20. The strikes also targeted electricity infrastructure and oil and gas facilities, causing electricity blackouts.

Moreover, a number of Syrian soldiers and SDF fighters were killed, including 8 SDF guards near al-Hol camp.

Turkey has also threatened to carry out a new ground offensive in northern Syria, spreading fear among locals in border towns. 

187 Syrian organizations in a statement on Nov. 26 called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting regarding the recent Turkish attacks, exert pressure to stop them, and protect civilians and infrastructure.

"The attacks rendered several of the targeted facilities inoperable, straining the infrastructure already dilapidated by the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2011," the statement said.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/30 ... Syria:-HRW
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:49 pm

Calm ensues in northern Syria

The Syrian Democratic Forces deny there being any initiatives from Russia or the United States to bring calm to the Syrian north

Cautious calm prevails in the areas under the US-backed so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) a month into Turkey's Operation Claw-Sword targeting Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in both Iraq and Syria and the threats of a land offensive on the cities and bordering towns that are under the control of the Kurdish forces.

"The Asayish forces that withdrew from the contact lines with the Turkish military and that had been continuously shelled during the past few days have begun returning to their headquarters after SDF assured them that the Turkish forces have made a U-turn on launching the ground operation," people familiar with the matter told Al Mayadeen.

"SDF informed its leadership that there were no discussions regarding any international party making peace initiatives like those Turkish media is reporting on, especially those regarding the relocation of SDF's forces," the sources added. "The discussions with Russia did not touch on that matter either, and the news being published by Turkish media is false. The situation is still the same as it has been since the Turkish invasion that kicked off in 2019."

Through these operations, Turkey aims to exert pressure on both the United States and Russia to extract their approval to carry out a new military operation against the SDF-controlled areas after the Kurdish party was accused by Ankara of being behind the bomb attack in Istiklal Street in Taksim Square in Istanbul. 

Ankara is also trying to take advantage of the attack in Istanbul to carry out a ground operation against the SDF and to gnaw at more areas under its control, amid initial indications of Turkish intentions to attack villages and towns in rural Manbij and Tal Rifaat. 

"The joint operations between SDF and the global coalition, which had previously stopped due to the developments on the borders, are now back in full throttle," SDF said in its announcement, according to the sources. The operations "will increase in size during the coming days."

Meanwhile, SDF clarified that there were no changes on the ground for the Syrian Arab Army with regard to the mobilization or the number of border guards in eastern or northern Syria.

"The personnel that entered the area was to fill in a gap created by the direct Turkish bombardment of the Damascus government forces, which killed more than 35 Syrian soldiers," the sources added.

It is likely that SDF issued this statement to try and uplift the spirits of its leadership and members, as well as indirectly signal that it received assurances from the United States that the latter would prevent Turkey from attacking the towns and cities in northern Syria.

"The Syrian Arab Army deployed Division 25 throughout the week in several areas in the SDF-controlled Aleppo countryside to pave the way for a new agreement on the area," others familiar with the matter told Al Mayadeen.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Thursday to work with Syria and Russia in the fight against terrorism.

"Currently, we want to take a step with Syria and Russia, as a trio. For this, first, our intelligence organizations should come together, then our defense ministers and, then our foreign ministers should meet," Erdogan said.

Erdogan divulged that during a telephone conversation with Putin he offered to hold a meeting of leaders of Turkey, Russia, and Syria.

The Turkish President emphasized that the PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization, is active in Syria, particularly in its northern regions, and warned that if nations like the US continue to send "thousands of truck-loads" of weapons, ammunition, tools, and equipment to terrorists in Syria, then Ankara will take matters into its own hands.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusogly said Ankara was ready to cooperate with Damascus on counterterrorism and the repatriation of Syrian refugees if Syria acts "realistically".

"We are holding talks with the Syrian regime through intelligence channels," Cavusoglu said while speaking before parliament during a discussion on the Foreign Ministry's budget.

Turkish presidency spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin revealed earlier that there are periodic direct contacts between the Turkish intelligence agencies and their Syrian counterparts for the sake of national interests.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted in November at the possibility of reconsidering relations with Damascus after the 2023 elections in Turkey.

Regarding a possible meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad under Russian mediation, the Turkish President said this matter can be evaluated when the time is right, pointing out that there was no eternal resentment or quarreling in politics.

Meanwhile, Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) member and former MP Orhan Miroğlu announced earlier in the month that Damascus rejected Ankara's request to arrange a meeting between Presidents Erdogan and Al-Assad.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... tary-opera
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:59 pm

Turkey to act independently

Turkey will not seek US approval and will act independently if Washington continues supporting Kurdish forces in northern Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday amid threats to escalate Ankara’s fresh campaign in the region to a ground operation

Turkey launched Operation Claw-Sword targeting positions of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria on November 20. The aerial campaign, conducted as a prelude to a looming ground operation, has been strongly opposed by the US as it maintains a military presence in the region and is a key ally of the Kurdish forces. 

As Ankara’s pressure campaign on Washington to greenlight its planned invasion of Syria intensifies, Erdogan said that Turkey will take matters into its own hands if the US continues providing “thousands of truck-loads” of military assistance and equipment to the Kurdish force, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported.

“Currently, we want to take a step with Syria and Russia, as a trio. For this, first, our intelligence organizations should come together, then our defense ministers and, then our foreign ministers should meet,” Erdogan added, expressing interest in conducting joint operations with the two countries against the SDF. 

The Syrian government and its main backer, Russia, have both called for restraint and urged Turkey for de-escalation. However, Moscow has been distracted by its war in Ukraine, which has also provided Erdogan with the opportunity to emerge as a key global political actor with Russia increasingly reliant on Turkey as a window to the western world which it has largely been isolated by. This may guarantee Erdogan limited opposition from Russia with regard to its operation in Syria. 

Kurds in Syria have been Washington’s main allies on the ground in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) since the terror group seized swathes of land in Syria and Iraq in 2014. The US has provided ammunition, training, and military support to the SDF since then. 

Hundreds of US troops remain in Syria and lead the global coalition against ISIS, frequently conducting joint patrols with the SDF as part of a joint effort to rout ISIS remnants in the region. 

Turkey’s ongoing rocket and drone attacks in northern Syria pose a danger to US personnel stationed on the ground. 

In late November, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that a deadly Turkish drone strike against a joint Kurdish-American base that killed 2 SDF fighters put American forces in northern Syria in danger. 

Turkey considers the People’s Protection Units (YPG) – the backbone of the SDF – as a front for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Syria. The PKK is a Kurdish armed group fighting for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey and is outlawed as a terrorist organization by Ankara, as well as the US and EU. 

The Kurdish forces and Washington have repeatedly threatened that a Turkish ground offensive in the area would jeopardize hard-earned gains made in the years-long fight against ISIS.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/15122022
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:46 am

Scores detained by brutal police

With a march in Kadıköy district of Istanbul, relatives of prisoners were set to end their Justice Vigil on Sunday. But the police carried out the same ritual they have been doing week after week for months to prevent the public from being informed about the situation in the country's prisons

Since last March, the initiative has been taking to the streets of Istanbul to make their cause visible and heard: The release of seriously ill prisoners and those who continue to be imprisoned because they have not repented despite completing their sentences. But almost every rally by the group, which is mainly made up of mothers fighting for the lives of their imprisoned children, has been violently suppressed since the peaceful action began.

NO TO ISOLATION

"Freedom for all sick prisoners and prisoners who have not been released despite having served their prison sentence - lift isolation" was the motto of the march on the occasion of the final justice vigil, which was called for by organisations of prisoner solidarity, the alliance United Forces of Struggle (BMG) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in addition to the relatives' initiative.

Thematically, the calls and mobilisation for these demonstrations were also about the rejection of solitary confinement on the Turkish prison island of Imrali, which affects Abdullah Öcalan and his three fellow prisoners Ömer Hayri Konar, Hamili Yıldırım and Veysi Aktaş, as well as the demand for contact between the Imrali prisoners and their outside world.

VIOLENCE AGAINST MEDIA WORKERS

The police cordoned off the centre of Kadıköy in the early morning. Especially in the side streets around the starting points of the march, anti-riot units of the police patrolled, armoured vehicles and transport vehicles were brought into position at numerous points. The first attack on demonstrators occurred at the terminus of the Söğütlüçeşme rapid transit line. The police stormed into the crowd without warning and made the first arrests. Several journalists, who had previously been pursued by plainclothes officers, were forcibly pushed out of the square. The number of people detained here is still unclear.

"WE WANT THEM ALIVE"

Meanwhile, a larger crowd of several hundred people marched on Kurbağalıdere Street, shouting slogans such as "Long live the resistance in the jails", "Long Live Leader Öcalan", "Law, Justice" and "No to isolation". Activist Kumri Akgül, sister of Erdal Özel, a prisoner isolated in a solitary cell in Tekirdağ, spoke some moving words: "Stop death in prisons! We want our loved ones alive and we can no longer bear to see them come out of the dungeons of this country in a coffin at best. We want justice - everywhere."

KICKS AGAINST PEACE MOTHERS

The police cordoned off the demonstration during Akgül's speech and formed a threatening chain so that no more people could enter the area. As the crowd around the kettle grew faster and faster, police stormed into the crowd. It was mainly prisoners and members of the Peace Mothers' Assembly who were attacked. Officers tore off the white headscarves of some of them - their distinctive sign and symbol of motherhood and mourning - and gave them potentially life-threatening kicks while they were still on the ground. Dozens of people were detained and tied with their hands behind their backs before being dragged across the floor and taken to the prisoner transport van. Prisoner Zeynep Calıhan was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

FERHAT ENCÜ PUNCHED IN THE FACE

The police caused a further escalation when members of the HDP protested against the violent crackdown. HDP Istanbul co-chair Ferhat Encü was punched in the face on camera and MP Hasan Özgüneş was subjected to insults. Mehmet Zeki Kaya, cameraman of the opposition channel Artı TV, who captured the scenes, was detained and correspondent Umut Taştan was beaten up by the police.

DOZENS DETAINED

In the meantime, the police only succeeded in breaking up the still ongoing demonstration of the prisoners' members after several attempts. According to the latest information, around 50 people have been taken into police custody, not all of whom are known by name.
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Re: Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, Y

PostAuthor: Anthea » Mon Jan 02, 2023 4:31 pm

Erdogan reviving Ataturk-era Turkey

The AKP barely passes 30% of popular support as Erdogan still amps up preparations to enter Syria and dissolve Kurdish militias, which Turkey views as tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) guerrillas

The Turkish presidential election is set to take place on June 23 and is anticipated to be the most polarized this new year, determining the fate of 85 million citizens in the nation of 3 continents: Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Although the election is still six months away, Erdogan's conservative Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, or AKP), which came to power in 2002, may face a difficult challenge.

The country is already dealing with high inflation and a depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar.

The AKP is barely passing 30% of popular support, according to recent polls in Turkey. Despite that, Erdogan is still amping up preparations to enter Syria and dissolve Kurdish militias, which Turkey views as tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) guerrillas. 

He has also threatened to strike its NATO ally Greece over the regional disputes of Cyprus, alleged “militarization” of Greek islands, and expansion in the Aegean Sea. 

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar accused Greece on Monday of sabotaging bilateral meetings with Turkey, which intend to be for trust-building and cooperation in NATO. 

Greece took advantage of the meetings to present its problems "as Turkey's issues in its relations with NATO, the US, and EU," according to Akar, while simultaneously attempting to steer public attention away from domestic scandals. After Greek politicians' called Turkey a threat, Akar responded by asserting that his country is a reliable ally and poses no threat. 

Erdogan placed Turkey as an irreplaceable mediator between Russia and Ukraine, proven in the most recent Black Sea Grain Deal initiative and by hosting talks between US and Russian security officials. 

Not only so, but he has worked both sides by supplying Kiev with arms and simultaneously safeguarding trade and energy ties with Russia.

History repeats itself

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was sentenced by a court last month to more than two years in prison, which prevented him from practicing politics for the same period, on charges of insulting members of the Supreme Electoral Council in 2019. 

The Istanbul Mayor is among a handful of opposition leaders that polls show could beat Erdogan in a head-to-head race during the presidential race next June. Thousands of Turks gathered in a square in the center of Istanbul last month to protest the political ban against the opposition mayor of the city.

In light of that, the US State Department expressed that it is "deeply troubled and disappointment" at the possibility of excluding one of Erdogan's biggest rivals from the political scene. 

Germany described the decision as "a heavy blow to democracy," while France urged Turkey "reverse its slide away from the rule of law, democracy, and respect for fundamental rights."

Erdogan denied his involvement with the verdict against Imamoglu, as he said: "What is behind the storm sparked by a verdict these past few days? This debate has nothing to do with us - neither with me nor with our nation."

It is worth recalling that Erdogan was a former Istanbul mayor, who was sentenced to a year in jail for reading an alleged Islamist poem in 1994 and was prohibited from running for office until further notice. 

A new world order?

In his political lifetime, Erdogan went from having no problems with neighboring nations to full-launch attacks on Syria and Greece. But, a ground execution of military operations in Syria could come and bite back as it already triggers US and Russian reactions against it. 

In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, Erdogan confirmed that it is "important to clear the (Kurdish fighters) from the border to a depth of at least 30 kilometers," noting it was "a priority".

Erdogan has been threatening to conduct a new military incursion into northern Syria to move out Kurdish forces, which he blames for the November bomb blast that killed six people in Istanbul. 

    The Turkish President also said his country is committed to destroying the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) "until its last militant is neutralized" and raised the possibility of conducting a ground operation soon
It is worth noting that on November 20, Turkey launched airstrikes that targeted military bases belonging to the PKK and its armed wing, the YPK, in northern Syria and Iraq.

This year, November will mark the 100th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s foundation of Turkey from the remains of the Ottoman Empire. 

It seems like Erdogan is taking advantage of the current multipolar world order between the US and Russia in order to replace both and make Turkey the global hegemonic power as it was back in the days of Ataturk. 

In the midst of all of this, the EU stands on the sidelines, watching the fight as it struggles with inflation and the energy crisis.

Turkey is the EU's largest trade partner, but after delaying Turkey's entry into the EU bloc, it has lost influence in Ankara, and Belgium now has to persuade and buy off Turkey in order to keep the nearly 4 million Syrian refugees from crossing into Greece.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... d-claiming
Good Thoughts Good Words Good Deeds
User avatar
Anthea
Shaswar
Shaswar
Donator
Donator
 
Posts: 28352
Images: 1155
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 2:13 pm
Location: Sitting in front of computer
Highscores: 3
Arcade winning challenges: 6
Has thanked: 6019 times
Been thanked: 729 times
Nationality: Kurd by heart

Next

Return to Kurdistan Debates, Articles and Analysis

Who is online

Registered users: Bing [Bot], Majestic-12 [Bot]

x

#{title}

#{text}