Erdogan vows to move forward with Syria operation despite objections from Iran, Russia
Turkey’s president remains adamant despite opposition from US, Russia, Iran, Syria.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed today to carry out another military assault against US-backed Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria, despite statements of disapproval from major players in the conflict.
The Syrian cities of Tel Rifaat and Manbij “have become hotbeds of terrorism,” Erdogan alleged today, adding that “the time has come to clear” the cities of Kurdish-led forces which have controlled those areas for several years.
The context: Erdogan’s comments came after the Turkish president met Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Ibrahim Raisi in Tehran today.
Khamenei today cautioned against Turkey’s planned incursion, saying it will harm Turkey and the region while benefiting “the terrorists” whom Erdogan seeks to rout. The Iranian leader instead urged dialogue between the Turkish and Syrian governments. Damascus has also publicly opposed Ankara’s plans.
