Erdogan says western border will remain open as Greece battles refugee influx

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday claimed that over 18,000 refugees h crossed western border that it shares with Greece after Ankara opened its gate amid a new military campaign in rth-western Syria. According to reports, Erdogan did t provide any evidence to support his claim but said that Turkey is t obliged to look after and feed so many refugees.

Erdogan's claim came after chaos sparked at western border where Greek troops prevented migrants from entering Europe by firing teargas and stun grenes. 

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Escalation in Syria and refugee crisis in Europe

Erdogan h long threatened to open its western border allowing migrants to cross to Europe, with which it h signed an accord in 2016 promising to prevent migration in return of financial support. Erdogan complained that funds meant to support refugees were arriving too slowly from Brussels. However, media reports suggest that new shift in Ankara's policy is because Turkey is trying to secure support from NATO and European Union over its new military campaign in rth-western Idlib province, Syria's last rebel-held region.

According to reports, Turkish military is supporting rebels in Idlib who are facing an onslaught from Ass's regime forces that are backed by Russian airpower.

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As per reports, pro-Syrian government forces launched an offensive in Idlib against rebel fighters, forcing people to cross Syrian-Turkish border. Turkey launched new military campaign in Idlib after 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike on Thursday night.

Ankara, which is alrey providing Syrian refugees shelter in Turkey saw a new wave of migration after airstrikes. As per reports, Turkey on Friday ordered its police, coastguard and border guards to stand down, meaning a pass for migrants to cross to Europe. Turkey reportedly provided buses to migrants to help m cross over to Europe.

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Erdogan wants Syrian troops to withdraw beyond borders that Turkey and Russia outlined in a 2018 agreement. Back in 2018, Turkey and Russia collaborated toger to set-up a 'de-escalation zone' in Idlib in order to stem violence in region. latest offensive launched by Syrian government threatens fragile agreement between Ankara and Moscow. Erdogan h earlier warned Syrian government and h set a deline to withdraw until end of February.

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(with inputs from ncies)

Le Im Credit: AP