A+ A-

Turkey won't allow pro-Syrian regime forces to enter Afrin - Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with his Macedonian counterpart
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with his Macedonian counterpart
ANKARA, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkish army forces have forced pro-Syrian regime forces, who tried to enter the Syrian northwestern city of Afrin, to retreat.
Turkish forces, which have been launching operation Olive Branch against Kurdish and so-called Islamic State (IS) militants since January 20, attacked the Syrian regime proxy forces with rockets and forced them to return to their original positions, Erdogan told a joint news conference with his Macedonian counterpart.
He said he discussed with his Russian and Iranian counterparts, during phone calls yesterday, the deployment of pro-Syrian regime forces in Afrin. Erdogan said he told the two leaders Turkey would not allow entry of any force to the city.
Erdogan said earlier today Turkish forces would impose a siege on Afrin center in the coming days to cut the road for any supplies "reaching terrorist groups in the city." Syrian official news agency, Sana, reported yesterday forces loyal to the Syrian regime would be arriving in Afrin to confront the Turkish troops.
Meanwhile, a 1,200-strong special force left Izmir for Afrin today. (end) rs.bs