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Graphic shows details of Turkey’s offensive in Syria.
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MILITARY

Turkey’s offensive against Kurds in Syria

By Duncan Mil

October 10, 2019 - Turkish jets have bombed parts of north-eastern Syria at the start of an offensive which could lead to conflict with Kurdish-led allies of the U.S.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the offensive is to remove Kurdish-led forces from the border area and create a “safe zone” for Syrian refugees.

Heavy clashes are underway in Syrian border villages between advancing Turkish forces and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) soldiers, an official in the Kurdish-led SDF said on Thursday.

Shelling on Wednesday night targeted part of Chirkin prison in the city of Qamishli, a prison holding so-called Islamic State fighters of more than 60 nationalities.

The Turkish operation carries potential risks for Turkey by getting even more deeply involved in the Syria war. It also could ignite new fighting in Syria’s eight-year-old war, potentially displacing hundreds of thousands.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 10/10/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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