Turkey seeks allies' support for ground operation in Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey seeks allies' support for ground operation in Syria, 16 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf091c.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 16, 2016
Turkey says it wants a joint ground operation in neighboring Syria with its international allies.
"There is not going to be a unilateral military operation from Turkey to Syria," a senior Turkish official told reporters in Istanbul on February 16.
"We want a ground operation. If there is a consensus, Turkey will take part," the official added. "Without a ground operation it is impossible to stop this war."
The comments come as an offensive, supported by Russian air strikes, has brought the Syrian Army close to Turkey's border.
Kurdish fighters have exploited the collapse of positions held by other rebel groups to extend their presence along the border.
On February 16 in Damascus, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem to try to keep alive a proposal by world powers for a truce.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
