Turkey starts Syria's operation by striking Kurdish militants positions
Rahshan Saglam
Press TV, Istanbul
Turkish jets pounded northeastern Syria as president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of a long-awaited operation against Kurdish fighters. Erdogan said the operation was aimed at preventing the creation of a “terror corridor across our southern border.”
A Turkish security source said howitzers are hitting bases and ammunition depots belonging to Kurdish People's Protection Units, known as the YPG. Artillery strikes are also targeting YPG positions in the area.
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces say Turkish warplanes are mounting air strikes against their positions 50 kilometers deep inside Syria. SDF says Turkey incursion has caused civilian casualties in the area.
Details of the operation were not revealed however officials hinted that the length will be some 480 km and some 30 km in depth which is the depth of the safe zone that Turkey intends to establish to help the safe return of Syrian refugees.
Earlier this week US pulled its troops from areas of the peace spring operation after talks between Turkish and American presidents in a phone call. Despite calls for caution from the international community, Turkey quickly pressed ahead with preparations for a military operation.
It seems that this operation will take more time than the previous ones. Analyst argue that the area the operation intends to cover is bigger and Turkey's operation will not be easy for Ankara.
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