Following reports about the deployment of Syrian National Defense Forces troops in the YPG-held area of Afrin, Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin has claimed that any forces assisting the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) become “legitimate targets” for the Turkish military.
“Every step taken in support for the YPG terror organization would mean [any forces intervening on the Kurdish militants’ side] are on the same level as terror organizations. And for us, that would make them legitimate targets,” the official said. “It doesn’t matter who makes such an attempt, there will be serious consequences.”
Kalin also dismissed any criticism to Ankara’s Operation Olive Branch in Afrin. He said that Turkey acts in its national interests and owes “no explanation.”
In the recent days, at least 2 military convoys consisting of about 400 government troops have entered into the Afrin area. So, Kalin’s statement can be described as a clear threat to Damascus.
