Turkey’s military has promised military retaliation against Syria today after an overnight incident in which three Turkish soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in northern Syria. Officials say they “suspect” the airstrike was carried out by the Syrian government.
If it is confirmed to have been a Syrian airstrike, it would be the first incident of its type since Turkey invaded northern Syria in late August. Though Syria has complained the invasion is a violation of their sovereignty, so far they have shrugged it off, since Turkey is mostly focused on fighting the Kurds and ISIS.
Details on scant on the overnight incident, which took place near the ISIS city of al-Bab, with suggestions that the forces involved weren’t clear it was even an airstrike, let alone an airstrike by the Syrian military. Turkey’s Prime Minister blamed “certain people” who don’t like the anti-ISIS war, but did not say who that was.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights dismissed the airstrike claim themselves, saying that they believe the incident was an ISIS suicide bombing. ISIS claimed a suicide attack overnight against Turkish troops, but it isn’t clear if it’s the same incident.
Not a Syrian airstrike.
Here’ the question you should be asking: Who would like to see Turkey attack Syrian govt forces? That will tell you where the “report” pointing to the Syrians came from.
Answer: Either Erdogan, who still wants Assad gone and doesn’t like the fact that the regime change operation is failing, or Israel, which wants nothing less than to see the Arabs/Muslims killing each other in perpetuity.
And let’s not forget that Turkey shot down a Russian plane over a questionable violation of its sovereignty that experts said if it occurred at all was no more than 15 seconds, but was more likely an ambush as Russia coordinated the flight plan with Turkey. Could have been Russian payback.
I think Turkey’s leadership is utterly insane.
I really am having a hard time understand this Turkish role. OK Turks attacking ISIS (after helping them) –Their primary purpose is to go after Kurds. Kurds in general pro-government (although with some hope of autonomy) –aka better Assad than Islamists. Thought US had decent relationship with Kurds? –where is US protest or push back against Turkey? Russian pushback against Turks as well? Haven’t Israelis been chummy with Kurds –or only Iraqi Kurds?
Turkey was clandestinely helping ISIS and Al Nusra, they were fighting the Kurds now it is out in the open that has changed, cannot be seen helping ISIS that would mean it loses its NATO status, I suggest that they are still helping Al Nusra though. as for Turkey they entered the war on their own terms and wouldnt care if they shot Syrian soldiers, so as foreign invaders without the auspices of a UN sanctioned action they are unlawful combatants!
Turkey has been trying to get a US/NATO war started against Syria for the last four years. This “incident” is no surprise.
If they don’t watch their ass, Russia will bomb the crap out of them. Personally I think Russia should have put Erdogan on notice long before this that any attempt to attack or even be in Syria would be grounds for the Russians bombing them.
Russia is either supporting Syria’s sovereign territory or it isn’t. Turkey is violating it – deal with them. Russia should be pushing for a Turkish withdrawal from all areas of Syria in the UN Security Council on a daily basis.
Turks shouldn’t mix their troops with the terrorists. Besides, no one invited them in Syria.