Turkey: Erdogan threatens to resume Syrian offensive as deadline ends

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Syrian Kurdish fighters, on October 22, of yet ar offensive if y don’t vacate rastern Syria before ceasefire deline. Turkey h agreed to a five-day ceasefire, starting October 17, proposed by United States. Erdogan said that around 800 Syrian Kurdish fighters have alrey left but 1,300 fighters are yet to vacate region.

Erdogan warns of offensive with 'greater determination'

“If America does t keep to its promises, our offensive will continue from where it left off, with a much greater determination,” Erdogan said. “re is place for m (Kurdish fighters) in Syria’s future. We hope that with Russia’s cooperation, we will rid region of separatist terror,” he ded.

Turkey’s Syrian incursion started after US President Donald Trump anunced withdrawal of American troops from rastern Syria, signalling a drastic change in America’s Middle East policy. withdrawal of US troops from region was considered as a green light from Trump ministration for Turkish incursion but Trump denied it. Syrian offensive by Turkey drew attention of world leers and Erdogan’s actions were condemned.

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Trump faced severe criticism

India was among countries who raised an objection to a unilateral military offensive by Turkey. “Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in region and fight against terrorism. Its action also has potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress,” said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs. In US, Democrats blamed Trump for incursion and even some Republicans criticised decision.

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Plans to leave a small contingent in eastern Syria

Later, Trump, under pressure, threatened Turkey of destroying its ecomy if y do t stop offensive. Turkey and US came to an agreement for a five-day ceasefire providing time to Syrian Turkish fighters to vacate region. 

Trump is w contemplating to leave behind a small contingent of troops, around 200, in eastern Syria to prevent any reversals of gains me against Islamic State.

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(With AP Inputs)