Erdogan: Turkey is prepared for possible Syria border operation

Turkey is ready to act on its southern border with Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said, after warning that it could take unilateral steps if the US does not establish a “safe zone” in northeast Syria this month.

“Our preparations along our borders are complete,” Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul on Saturday (September 21) before departing to attend a UN General Assembly meeting.

Erdogan reiterated complaints over US support for the Kurdish fighters, saying Washington was providing them with arms.

“We have no wish to come face to face with the US” he said. “However, we cannot afford to overlook the support that the US is giving to a terrorist organization.”

His comments about border preparations came a day after two security sources said doctors have been stationed in southern Turkish provinces to prepare for a possible incursion into Syria.

One source said doctors’ leave had been suspended. “We have been preparing for a long time,” the source said. “The operation can be conducted whenever deemed necessary.”

Turkey has already launched two military incursions into northern Syria since 2016, targeting ISIS and YPG militias west of the Euphrates.

Based on Reuters