Regarding Operations In Syria, Turkey's Presidential Spokesman: We Do Not Need Permission From Anyone

Ibrahim Kalin. (Wikimedia Commons/Tahirselim2016)

JAKARTA - Turkey did not ask for permission for its security operations in Syria, only coordinating with its allies, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Sunday.

"We will not seek anyone's approval when facing a national security threat," Kalin told Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera in an interview, citing Daily Sabah December 5.

"Regarding the political situation in Syria, of course, it remains a source of threat and uncertainty for everyone, not only for us, but for Iraq, for Jordan and other countries as well as Europe and others," he continued.

Last week, Kalin said Turkey's planned ground operations against terrorist groups in northern Syria could be launched at any time, during an interview on television A Haber.

"Operations can be carried out in various ways. It could be tomorrow, next week or anytime. Turkey will determine the time, place and scope," explained Kalin.

Last month, Turkey launched Operation LAW-Swords in northern Iraq and Syria, a cross-border air campaign against the PKK terrorist group and its Syrian branch, the YPG, which has illegal hiding places across the Iraqi and Syrian borders.

The operation was launched days after PKK/YPG carried out a bomb attack on Jalan Istiklal, which is popular in Istanbul, killed six people and injured 81 others.

After air operations began on November 20, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also hinted at upcoming ground operations in northern Iraq and northern Syria to eliminate terrorist threats, adding: "This is not limited to air operations."

President Erdogan has designated the YPG-controlled areas of Tal Rifaat, Manbij and Ain al-Arab (Kobani) in northern Syria, as a possible target to clean up terrorists.

Kal penjelaskan, tanggapan awal Turki setelah serangan itu "adalah mengordinasikan dan melakukan beberapa operasi udara."

"We have determined very clearly, the YPG is behind this attack. We have people who carry bombs and carry out attacks, but also the person who facilitated the arrival of that person - a woman," explained Kalin.

"In recent years, PKK has changed its tactics. Instead of using Syria, say Kurdish or otherwise, they are using other people from various countries. To cover themselves," he said.

Kallohn also rejected claims Turkish airstrikes had endangered US troops, reiterating Ankara did not target American or Russian civilians or soldiers.

"We have a de-conflict mechanism with Russia and America. We are not targeting Russian or American troops or military posts in Syria or anywhere. Our target is PKK/YPG elements, and we are telling them to stay away from it," he explained.

"YPG at one point used the American flag, at another point the regime's flag (Syria) to protect itself. Sometimes they do this with Russia, not long ago, but in the past. For me this shows the YPG is using its alliance with the US to legitimize its presence in northern Syria, "added Kalin.

Kalfobun juga menunjukkan, di bawah kesepakatan yang ditandatangani pada 2019, AS seharusnya membuat teroris YPG/PKK bergerak sejauh 30 kilometer (18 mil) dari perbatasan Turki. Tetapi, kesepakatan itu tidak pernah dilaksanakan.

The PKK is an organization labeled terrorists in the United States, Turkey, and the European Union, and Washington's support for its affiliates in Syria has been a major pressure on bilateral relations with Ankara.

The US primarily partnered with PKK/YPG terrorists in northeastern Syria in its fight against the ISIS terrorist group. On the other hand, T\"urkiye strongly opposes the presence of PKK/YPG in northern Syria.