12 Oct 2019 | 08:40 PM UTC
Greece: Thousands march in Athens October 12 to protest Turkish incursion in Syria
Some 2000 Kurdish and Greek demonstrators march to Turkish Embassy in Athens on October 12 to protest Turkish incursion in Syria; residual traffic disruptions to be expected over the coming hours
Event
Some 2000 Kurdish and Greek demonstrators reportedly marched to the Turkish Embassy in Athens on Saturday, October 12, to protest the Turkish military incursion in Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria.
A heightened security presence and residual traffic disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours. Similar demonstrations are possible in Athens over the near term.
Context
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5 that Turkey would launch a military operation in northeastern Syria to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations would extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria from Syria's northeastern border with Turkey. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.
The offensive comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a US military pullback in the region.
Advice
Individuals in Athens are advised to monitor developments, avoid the affected area and all related demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.
