Turkey MPs back extension of troop mandate in Syria, Iraq
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey MPs back extension of troop mandate in Syria, Iraq, 1 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a0499.html [accessed 30 May 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. |
October 01, 2016
Birds fly near a Turkish tank during clashes between Turkish Army and Islamic State militants at Elbeyli in the southern region of Kilis, near the Syrian border, on September 4.
The Turkish parliament has backed extending for another year a mandate for ongoing military operations in neighboring Syria and Iraq.
Forces from Turkey have focused largely on fighting alongside Syrian rebels against militants from the radical fundamentalist Sunni group Islamic State (IS) since invading Syria in a major operation that began in late August.
But they have also targeted Kurdish militia, some of whom are allied with the United States in the multifaceted Syrian conflict that's nearing its six-year mark, as well as attacked members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.
Iraqi officials have also expressed concern as Turkish troops appear to be girding for an offensive aimed at taking the IS-held city of Mosul, in northern Iraq.
The Turkish military mandate allowing for troops to operate against terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq to its south dates back to October 2014.
Its extension was backed by ruling and opposition parties.
Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
