The statement released on TSK’s website stated that the military elements that will take part in the monitoring force have started their expedition as of Oct. 08, 2017 to establish monitoring sites during the operation.
The statement said the goals of the de-escalation zones, which were declared on Dec. 30, 2016 and guaranteed by Turkey, Russia and Iran through the Astana process, are to increase the effectiveness of the ceasefire regime, ending armed clashes, providing humanitarian aid to those in need, establishing proper conditions for the return of the displaced and supporting the establishment of conditions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
It added that TSK elements will be carrying out their duties through the rules of engagement agreed by guarantor countries. The operation aims to clear HTS from the region in order to maintain the ceasefire.
Turkey also aims to contain the Efrin region, which is controlled by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), PKK terrorist group’s offshoot in Syria, and its armed wing People’s Protection Forces (YPG).
The operation is the second Turkish incursion in Syria. The first operation, named Euphrates Shield, was launched on Aug. 24, 2016 along with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces to clear Daesh from Turkey’s borders and establish a buffer zone for security purposes and preventing further migrant influx.
The operation recaptured several towns, including Jarablous, al-Rai, Dabiq and al-Bab, while securing the town of Azaz, a main refugee center in northern Syria right across the border with Turkey. The operation also prevented the PYD to take control of the area in its bid to connect Efrin region with the territories it control in Manbij, Kobani and further east in Hassaka and Qamishli.
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