Hurriyet Daily News: Turkey will carry out military operation in Syria’s Afrin: Defense minister
Turkey will carry out a military operation into Afrin in northern Syria, Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli vowed in an interview with broadcaster A Haber on the morning of Jan. 19.
“The threat level against Turkey is increasing day by day. This operation will be carried out and we will combat terrorism,” Canikli said, referring to a long-anticipated operation against the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Afrin, seen by Ankara as organically linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The Afrin operation should be carried out without delay and that Ankara and Moscow would continue talks about Turkey's planned military action, he said.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This is a clear sign that Russia has given a greenlight to Turkey to begin military operations .... Russia 'moving' military observers in Syria's Afrin (Al Jazeera).
Update: Little if any reaction from the U.S. .... Coalition spokesperson says Turkey's bombardment of Afrin remains a concern (Kurdistan24)
More News On Turkey Launching Military Operation Against US-Backed Kurdish Fighters In Syria
Turkey says no turning back from offensive in Syria -- AP
Turkey steps up Syria shelling as invasion of Afrin looms -- BBC
Turkish troops shell Afrin to oust US-backed Kurdish militia -- AFP
Turkey shells Syria's Afrin region, minister says operation has begun -- Reuters
Turkey Launches Operation Against U.S.-Backed Kurdish Fighters In Syria -- RFE
Turkish-Backed Forces Cross Syrian Border as Afrin Op 'De Facto' Starts - Media -- Sputnik
Turkey says no turning back from offensive in Syria -- Washington Post/AP
Ankara says ‘has no option’ but to attack Syrian Kurds in Afrin, starts cross-border shelling -- RT
Turkey seeks Russian approval for air campaign against Afrin -- Reuters