Middle East and North Africa Desk
Written by: Jason Lee
On October 13, President Trump announced a withdrawal of U.S troops from northern Syria. Justified as being the fulfillment of his campaign promise to end U.S involvement in “endless wars,”[1]the order has been interpreted by Turkish President Erdogan as implicit permission to move ahead with a long-planned offensive against Kurdish forces in the area. Days after the announcement, Turkish artillery and missiles began battering the border with Syria, resulting in dozens of causalities across both sides in addition to 11 civilian deaths.[2]
The border area has been controlled by the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) since 2015, and its military wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG) have been key allies to the foreign coalition, including the U.S, in defeating the Islamic State. Thousands of ISIS fighters captured in battle are being held by the SDF in cooperation with U.S forces.[3]
Turkey regards the YPG as an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party which has resisted the Turkish government for several decades. Restrained until recently by the co-location of U.S and Kurdish forces, negotiations between Erdogan and the YPG have resulted in gradual compromises, such as the dismantling of defensive positions closer towards the Turkish border.[4]Yet, Turkish mobilization following Trump’s announcement signals a return to a more hardline policy.
“Our aim is to destroy the terror corridor which is trying to be established on our southern border and to bring peace and peace to the region,” tweeted Erdogan as the operation commenced.[5]
The immediate result has been a flurry of alarm and confusion. Sources within northern Syria report roads gridlocked with fleeing civilians and hurried redeployment of YPG soldiers formerly assigned with the suppression of ISIS in the south. U.S soldiers describe strained relations between U.S outposts and their Kurdish guards, with one Kurdish fighter claiming “The Americans sold us out,”[6]and a member of the U.S special forces stating “I am ashamed for the first time in my career.” Recent developments even detail Turkish forces firing upon outposts occupied by U.S soldiers with shelling so heavy some soldiers debated firing back. Though later characterized as a mistake, a Pentagon official remarked that Turkey should know U.S positions “down to the grid.”[7]
Trump’s own position is unclear. Despite effectively paving the way for the Turkish incursion, Trump has threatened to “totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey” should the operation go “off limits.”[8]The international community has also been equivocal, with NATO urging Turkey “to act with restraint and to ensure that any action it may take in Northern Syria is proportionate and measured” and Putin warning Erdogan “to carefully weigh the situation so as not to harm the overall efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis.”[9]That being said, an unmistakable concern remains the potential resurgence of ISIS and the plight of displaced individuals from both past and recent conflicts.
[1]Burns, Robert. “Trump’s confusing moves raise questions about Turkey, Syria.” Military Times.
[2]“Turkey Syria offensive: Dozens killed as assault continues.” BBC.
[3]Pleitgen, Frederik. “Everything you need to know about Turkey’s military offensive in Syria.” CNN.
[4]Haltiwanger, John. “Trump’s decision to abandon the Kurds in Syria sends a dangerous message to US allies around the world.” Business Insider.
[5]Burns, Robert. “Trump’s confusing moves raise questions about Turkey, Syria.” Military Times.
[6]Pleitgen, Frederik. “Everything you need to know about Turkey’s military offensive in Syria.” CNN.
[7]O’Connor, Tom. “EXCLUSIVE: TURKEY ATTACKS US SPECIAL FORCES IN SYRIA, APPARENTLY BY MISTAKE.” Newsweek.
[8]Burns, Robert. “Trump’s confusing moves raise questions about Turkey, Syria.” Military Times.
[9]Pleitgen, Frederik. “Everything you need to know about Turkey’s military offensive in Syria.” CNN.