Turkish Army Preparing for Military Operations against Kurds in Eastern Euphrates

The Kurdish-language Hawar news reported on Thursday that the Turkish army has gathered its forces in a region from Tal Halaf region to the town of Alouk in Ra's al-Ein, adding that the Turkish planes are also conducting reconnaissance operations in the region.

Meantime, field sources in Northern Syria said that the Turkish army has sent a large number of its forces and military equipment to the borders with Syria in front of Ra's al-Ein in Northwestern Hasaka, strengthening its positions in the region.

They added that the Turkish army has increased its military moves near the bordering areas, specially in Kalis region, noting that the Turkish commando units have been dispatched to several positions at the borders with Syria and adopted intensive security measures in the region.

Also, sources affiliated to the so-called National Army, supported by the Turkish army, underlined logistical support moves in preparation for Eastern Euphrates, and said the operations will start from the town of Tal Abyadh in Northern Raqqa at the borders with Turkey.

They said that all fighters affiliated to Turkey will participate in the operations, adding that the operations will include Manbij and Tal Abyadh to Ra's al-Ein in Hasaka.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Ankara would launch an operation in the East of Euphrates in Syria in a few days to save it from separatist terrorist organization.

"We expressed that we will launch an operation in East of Euphrates in a few days to save it from a separatist terrorist organization," Erdogan stated at the Turkish Defense Industry Summit.

Erdogan added Turkey's target has never been US soldiers, but rather members of terror group.

"It is clear that the purpose of US observation points [in Syria] is not to protect our country from terrorists but to protect terrorists from Turkey," Erdogan noted.

A possible mission East of the Euphrates, which Turkey’s leadership has been suggesting for months, would follow two successful cross-border Turkish operations into Syria --- Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch – which were both meant to eradicate the presence of YPG/PKK and ISIL terrorists near Turkey’s borders.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK --- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU --- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

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