Türkiye meets to discuss possible intervention in Syria

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have summoned commanders along the border with Syria to the capital Ankara to attend a meeting to discuss the possibility of intervening in the neighboring country, where fierce fighting is taking place between Kurds and Islamic State (IS) militants.

Turkish troops deployed near the Syrian border last week. Photo: AP

Each Turkish general, who is directly responsible for the attack plan in Syria, is expected to present the plan in detail at a meeting this week, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

The call-up comes after a visit to the border area by Turkish Land Forces Commander Hulusi Akar, Army Second-in-Chief Adem Huduti and Special Forces Commander Zekai Aksakallı.

Although Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said last week there were “no immediate plans” for any offensive, TSK has recently deployed additional troops and equipment along the border with Syria.

Ankara created the "safe zone" on Syrian territory due to concerns about the advance of Syrian Kurds and the presence of IS militants, as well as the possibility of a wave of refugees, amid the recent fierce fighting in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Currently, about 54,000 soldiers, or 15% of Türkiye's ground forces, have been deployed near the Syrian border. A convoy carrying artillery and missile batteries also arrived in Kilis province near the border yesterday. Other military equipment from the TSK in Polatlı, Ankara, is expected to be deployed near the town of Elbeyli, in Kilis and Öncüpınar.

According to vnexpress