Turkey may be planning Syrian invasion

The so-called Islamic State is fending off attacks from all sides in Syria, and there are growing indications that a Turkish ground invasion could add to the militant group’s list of concerns

Turkey wants to clear IS from buffer zone along Turkey-Syria border

Afrin

Idlib

Azaz

Aleppo

Al Bab

Manbij

20km 12 miles

SYRIA

Jarabulus

TURKEY

Kobane

Tal Abyad

Ain Issa

Euphrates River

Raqqa Self-declared IS capital

Detail map

Mediterranean Sea

SYRIA

LEBANON

Damascus

JORDAN

TURKEY

IRAQ

200km 120 miles

AREAS OF CONTROL (as of Jan 18, 2016)

Syrian regime and allies

So-called Islamic State (IS)militant group / Daesh

Kurdish YPG / SyrianDemocratic Forces (SDF)

Other rebel groups

Turkey: Engaged in mine clearing operation near border town ofJarabulus, indicating possible startpoint for invasion. Plan reportedly discussed by Russia and U.S. – Russia would not obstruct Turkish efforts, providing buffer zone is not expanded to Mediterranean Sea

Kurds / SDF: Advancing on IS-controlled town of Manbij aftercrossing Euphrates River, despite Turkish opposition to move

Syrian regime: Forces moving northwards from Aleppo towardsAl Bab, backed by Russian airstrikes

Rebels: Fighters predominantly from Turkish-backed Mare Operations Room advancing east along Syrianborder, looking to gain ground from IS. Rebels aided by increased Turkish artillery strikes along border,which could indicate efforts by Turkey to soften up IS targets prior to ground invasion

Sources: Stratfor, IUCA