Posted on 01/20/2016 9:20:52 AM PST by Trumpinator
Shortly before Syria peace talks begin, Turkey infiltrates Syria
By MAAYAN GROISMAN \
01/20/2016 17:26
Eyewitnesses to the incursion reported that the Turkish forces have not encountered any resistance from ISIS fighters, which raises the question of possible collaboration between ISIS and Turkey.
In what appears to be a well-planned strategic move committed in light of the upcoming Syria peace talks, a large number of Turkish forces crossed the border and entered the Syrian town of Jarablus on Tuesday, according to Turkish media reports.
Eyewitnesses to the incursion reported that the Turkish forces have not encountered any resistance from ISIS fighters in the area. These reports once again raise the question of possible collaboration between Turkey and ISIS aimed at halting the advance of the Kurdish militias in north Syria.
Besides crossing into the border town of Jarablus which is part of the Kurdish enclave in northern Syria, Turkey carried out on Tuesday another move against the Syrian Kurds when it bombed the headquarters of the Kurdish forces of the People's Protection Units (YPG) in the Syrian border city of Tel Abyad.
These incidents come amid the approaching Syria peace talks that are scheduled to be held in Geneva on January 25. Russia's insistence on the participation of Kurdish representatives in the talks, claiming that Kurds are part of the Syrian opposition, may suggest that Turkey has committed these moves in order to signal to the Russians that they should take into consideration Turkey's interests in the Syrian quagmire.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
It’ll be interesting to see Putin’s counterpunch!
If this is true, then Turkey has called Russia’s bluff, both in the air over Syria, and on the ground.
And JPost is a very reliable news source.
If you already have, thank you.
I am seeing other reports (Stratfor, Sputnik) that echo that Turkey is crossing the border into Jarabulus.
A major challenge to the Russian Strategy. Clearly an act of war by Turkey against Syria.
http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/security-sources-deny-turkish-troops-entered-syria/507603
Security sources deny Turkish troops entered Syria Soldiers were clearing land mines near border, sources claim
“Turks are saying they did not go in”
I view that as further confirmation. Maybe they contend that it does not officially count if you have the guys change out of their uniforms first.
It does look like a major move, to prevent the strategic checkmate of having the Kurds shut off the supply lines through the Azaz-Jarabulus corridor, and establishing a safe haven for the PKK all along Turkey’s Southern border.
Waiting with baited breath to see Russia’s next move. Are they willing to risk a wider war by killing a bunch of Turkish soldiers? Could they even stop a determined Turkish invasion?
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