Erdogan: Turkey's Operations in Syria Will Continue Until ISIS and YPG Threats are Neutralized

On Monday, September 8, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey's military operations abroad will continue until the threats posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) and the People's Protection Units (YPG) are neutralized. This comes as the U.S. Department of Defense has declared that the conflict between the Turkish army and the YPG is 'unacceptable and concerning.' The Turkish military's operations are specifically targeting Kurdish positions west of the Euphrates River. On Monday, the army announced that over the past 24 hours, it had conducted 61 artillery operations against 20 targets around Jarabulus, resulting in the control of 10 villages by Turkish forces and parts of the Free Syrian Army. Meanwhile, Kurdish sources report that at least 40 civilians have lost their lives during the Turkish army's attacks. The rising tensions between the Turkish government and Syrian Kurds have prompted reactions and concerns from the U.S. government, which is allied with both forces. In this context, the U.S. Department of Defense has labeled the escalation of conflict between the Turkish army and the YPG as 'unacceptable.' Additionally, Brett McGurk, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, stated that recent movements along the Turkey-Syria border occurred without coordination with the U.S., and they do not support the clashes between the Turkish army and Syrian opposition forces and the Syrian Kurds. The Turkish government does not differentiate between ISIS forces and the YPG, claiming it aims to push both groups back from west of the Euphrates River. Concurrently, the Syrian Kurds, who are supported by the U.S., accuse the Turkish government of 'occupying' Jarabulus and supporting ISIS forces, asserting that Turkey's goal is to obstruct the stabilization of a federation in northern Syria. In recent days, images circulated on social media showing four members of the YPG captured by Syrian forces affiliated with the Turkish army. In this regard, the YPG issued a statement confirming the news and stated that it 'directly holds the Turkish government responsible for the lives of the four captives.' According to the YPG, the four individuals had gone at the request of the 'Jarabulus Military Council' to assist civilians targeted by the Turkish army in the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, the Hawar News website, close to the Democratic Union Party of Syrian Kurdistan, published a statement indicating that 10 brigades affiliated with the Free Syrian Army criticized the Turkish army's operations and stated they are willing to fight alongside the 'Jarabulus Military Council' against Turkish-affiliated forces. The Jarabulus Military Council is an entity linked to the 'Syrian Democratic Forces,' which are considered allies of the YPG.