Germany: Thousands protest Turkey's military action in Syria

Thousands of people took to the streets in the German city of Cologne to protest against Turkey's military action in the northern part of Syria. According to the German police, about 5000 people took part in two marches that were organized by left-wing groups.  A few people carried flags of the Kurdish forces or banners with slogans that read - No deals with the Turkish regime. This march took place as Germany is home to a large number of people belonging to the Kurdish and Turkish communities.

The US being "very tough" on Turkey

In the events that preceded this incident, US President Donald Trump stated that the sanction he had imposed against Turkey was very extreme and tough. The annoucements came as a group of diplomats, headed by American VP Mike Pence, prepared to go to the capital city of Turkey, Ankara, in order to pressurise Turkey to put a stop to their military plan of action in the northern part of Syria.

Turkey orchestrated attack which happened after the USA took the decision to pull out its troops from Syria, plans to push the Kurdish-backed SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) from the militant-infested areas. Turkey wants to set up a base in the terror-hit areas that will allow them to accommodate approximately 2 million Syrian refugees.

Read: Syria Crisis Tests Trump’s Global Religious Freedom Vows

According to reports, a statement from the White House stated that the current situation in the affected areas is a stark contradiction to the campaign launched to defeat the extremist group ISIS. Lives of innocent civilians and children are endangered and the security of the region is threatened. In addition to this, the White House added that it will definitely put an end to the ongoing crisis and ensure the safety of the civilians. The American President imposed sanctions that proposed to increase tariffs on steel and end dialogues on a $100 billion trade deal.

Read: Donald Trump, Susan Rice In War Of Words Over Syria And 'gross' Hug

Syria's sovereignty should be respected

China has also asked Turkey to stop its attacks against the Kurdish led forces in the northeastern part of Syria. The ongoing attacks may help the "terrorists" escape. This may, in turn, help ISIS to grow and cause a hindrance for the counter-terrorism efforts being undertaken by different countries.

In a public address, China's spokesperson stated that his country was completely against the use of external force in terms of International relations. He added that everyone along with Turkey should uphold the UN charter alongside the norms that uphold International relations and also solve problems in a way that the set rules are not disturbed. China's representative Geng Shuang stated that given the current situation in Syria, certain assaults may lead to an easy way out for the IS militants and the revival of ISIS. He asked Turkey to comply with other world leaders to tackle terrorism.

Read: Erdogan: Will Resume Syria Operation If Kurdish Forces Break Ceasefire

"Fundamental targets were militants"

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry of Turkey expressed that its fundamental targets were militants, including people from the People's Protection Units (YPG) state armed force that acts as strong support for the SDF. Pictures of injured men, houses, alongside women and young children scrambling to get into vehicles to get away from the contention have been circulated on social media. 

Read: Turkey Is Not Abiding By The Peace-truce With US: Kurdish Forces

(With inputs from agencies)