23 Nov 2022 | 10:05 AM UTC
Turkey: Clashes likely to continue along southern border through end of November. /update 1
Clashes likely to continue along Turkey's southern border through end of November. Cross-border rocket and artillery strikes likely.
Event
Further cross-border clashes are likely along Turkey's southern borders with Syria and Iraq, through the end of November. Rocket strikes hit towns in Gaziantep and Kilis provinces, Nov. 21, killing three people. Turkish authorities accuse the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) of conducting the strikes. On Nov. 22, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey threatened further air and land operations against targets in Syria, which will likely prompt further reprisal attacks from militant groups.
Government authorities have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to the area, including:
The US advises no travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within 10 km (6 miles) of the Turkey/Syria border.
The UK advises against all travel to areas within 10 km (6 miles) of the border with Syria.
France advises against travel to border zones with Syria and Iraq.
Turkish authorities are likely to deploy further police and troops to the border regions. Heightened security and increased tensions are highly likely; security forces will likely impose increased identity and vehicle checks. Border clashes may escalate in mutual reprisals, with Turkish forces striking YPG targets in Syria and vice-versa. Further rocket and artillery strikes are likely.
Context
On Nov. 13, a bomb exploded in Istanbul, killing six people. Turkish authorities accused the YPG or carrying out the attack. On Nov. 20, Turkish forces started cross-border operations against YPG targets in Syria.
Turkey has been conducting regular military operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria and northern Iraq since 2019. While the Nov. 20 Turkish strikes were stated to have been launched in direct response to the Istanbul bombing one week earlier, reports suggest the operation was planned from at least June, indicating they were a direct continuation of Turkish military activity in this region.
Advice
Avoid the impacted areas. Follow local travel and security advice. Ensure correct documentation and follow all instructions from local security officials.
