The political situation in Syria and Turkey’s involvement remain unstable, as Turkish forces and their allies, including the Syrian National Army (SNA), continue military operations against Kurdish groups and other opponents in northern Syria. Turkey aims to establish control over a “safe zone” along its border with Syria, intended as an area where Syrian refugees currently hosted in Turkey could be resettled.
Since the start of the Syrian conflict, Turkey has supported anti-regime rebels and jihadist groups while opposing both the Assad regime and Kurdish forces, which have received US backing in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). Ankara views the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as terrorist organizations and prioritises preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region in northern Syria.
Key areas of involvement
Turkey’s military involvement extends to several regions in Syria, including Azaz, Tel Abyad, and Idlib. Despite the ground success of Turkish forces and their allies, tensions remain with other major regional powers such as Russia, Iran, and the Syrian regime. Turkey seeks to avoid direct confrontation with Russia and Iran while monitoring developments and relying on its allies to weaken Kurdish forces and capture territory.
Refugee policy and internal pressures
Turkey asserts that it does not wish to trigger new waves of refugees but has faced domestic criticism for its policy of returning refugees to Syria, especially amid economic challenges. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made clear his intention to control a 30–40 kilometer zone along the Syrian border to facilitate the repatriation of refugees.
Human rights concerns
Despite its military achievements, Turkey faces allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes in the region. Organisations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) have accused Turkey of kidnappings, torture, and other atrocities. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation in Syria and its implications for regional stability.
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Photo source: New Arab
