Türkiye: Will closely monitor Russia's moves on the border

(Baonghean.vn) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on January 22 expressed his wariness about reports that the Russian military is increasing its presence in northern Syria near the border with Türkiye, affirming that such moves will not be tolerated.

Turkish troops patrol along the border with Syria, near the city of Sanliurfa. Photo: AFP.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russia has sent engineers to the Syrian border town of Qamishli to reinforce the runway and increase the capacity of an airport there.

The news of Russia's entry into Qamishli comes as Ankara and Moscow are experiencing their biggest crisis in years after Türkiye shot down a Russian fighter jet on November 24, 2015.

After prayers in Istanbul, speaking to reporters, Mr. Erdogan said: “We have said this from the beginning: we will not tolerate such military deployments in northern Syria, along the area stretching from the Iraqi border to the Mediterranean.”

The Turkish president stressed that he would “continue to monitor this sensitive issue,” citing sources saying Russia had deployed about 200 soldiers, adding that he would raise the issue on January 23 in talks with US Vice President Joe Biden.

Observers say Russia, which has had years of tensions with Türkiye over the Syrian conflict, may want to convert the airport into a Russian base, as it did at Hmeimim in Latakia province.

“I can say that Türkiye is closely monitoring any military movements in the border areas and especially the border with Syria,” an unnamed source in the Turkish government said.

The Turkish military has now re-enforced security by digging trenches in the border area, according to the Hurriyet daily. The source added that senior Russian military officials, including those from the GRU military intelligence agency, have also visited Qamishli.

Russian soldiers load missiles onto a fighter jet at the Hmeimim base in Latakia province, northwestern Syria, on December 16, 2015. Photo: AFP.

The Kremlin and Iran are key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Türkiye sees his resignation as key to resolving Syria's nearly five-year civil war.

Türkiye has repeatedly expressed wariness about Russia's military deployment to Syria, while Russia insists its aim is to fight jihadists.

“We will discuss this issue with Mr. Biden tomorrow (January 23)… I hope this common position will be aimed at preventing Russia from making wrongful military deployments in northern Syria,” Mr. Erdogan said.

Thu Giang

(According to AFP)