Today, Turkish forces have begun Operation Peace Spring (Barış Pınar) against Syrian Democratic Forces (dominated by the People's Protections Units, the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party) in northeastern Syria. The first day has already seen Turkish air and artillery strikes on the SDF-controlled Syrian cities of Tellebyad, Ayn Issa and Resülayn, as well as retaliatory mortar strikes by the SDF on the Turkish city of Nusaybin.
The President of the Republic Hasan Çakar issued the following statement regarding the issues:
The President of the Republic Hasan Çakar issued the following statement regarding the issues:
"President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced today the launching of "Peace Spring" operation in Syria by the Turkish military against SDF and YPG forces. There are already reports of armed clashes from both sides.
The Hasani government understands reasons that Turkey has launched the operation (as YPG is recognized as Syrian branch of PKK, a terrorist organisation that has attacked innocent civilians) but we advise care for civilians and respect of the Geneva Convention. We are also concerned about the potential of this conflict escalating into other areas of the Middle East."
-Hasan Çakar, President of the Republic