Turkey Pushes into Syria, Amid Western and US Concerns

Relations between the United States and Turkey have soured in recent months, stemming from the recent failed military coup largely based in Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made comments claiming that the US was not forthcoming with support as they should have been. Additionally, he accused Washington of holding an insurgent operating virtually from the United States and aiding the military coup. Erdogan claimed that the operator should have been handed over to Turkey because of the threat he posed to Turkey’s national security.

It seems that Turkey is now ignoring the US opinion on its actions within Syria. Last Tuesday, Turkey and the Free Syrian Army backed by Turkey started attack operations in the town of Jarablus, on the border of Syria. They are currently in combat with Kurdish militia fighters and Islamic State militants. Three Turkish soldiers were injured piloting a tank, although no comment has been made as to which forces they were injured by. The US is currently trying to dissuade Turkey from launching its attack operations into Syria. US Defense Secretary Ash Carter has commented on the situation saying that the US “very much appreciate the efforts of both partners (Syria and Turkey)” and spoke about the material contributions they made.

He did warn Turkey not to engage with Syrian defense forces, and that they should continue to focus their efforts on the common enemy of IS. While Turkey has largely shrugged off the US and reprimanded them for not trusting and supporting them more, its still unknown how Turkey will react to this request. Turkey has also faced several terrorist attacks, and so it too has its people’s lives at stake.

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