Turkey: Turkish troops enter Idlib province (Syria)

Event

Turkish troops have crossed the Syrian border and are currently deployed in Idlib province as part of a de-escalation deal signed with Russia and Iran. On Friday, October 13, the Turkish military confirmed it had erected a number of observation posts throughout the region. According to local reports, some 30 military vehicles have been deployed into the rebel-held area of northwest Syria.

The move is seen as a potential way for the Turkish government to contain the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in Syria, operating in the neighboring Afrin region. Retaliatory attacks from Kurdish militants within Turkey are possible.

Context

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has shown a greater will to project an assertive foreign policy in the Middle East in recent weeks, as demonstrated by his role in implementing "de-escalation zones."

The deployment of troops to Idlib also comes amid his threats to isolate Iraqi Kurdistan, following the Kurdish independence referendum held on September 25. Turkey has faced a three decade-long Kurdish insurgency within its territory, spearheaded by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) - a group multiple countries regard as a terrorist organization. Military and political advancements of the YPG are considered direct threats to Turkish national security, as the country regards the group as an extension of the PKK.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to remain vigilant and to avoid the Turkish-Syrian border region.