Turkey threatens new offensive in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is threatening to launch a new offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria, a move likely to further strain ties between NATO allies Turkey and the United States

Turkish army tanks near Syrian border, Jan 2018

TURKISH MILITARY OPERATIONS IN SYRIA

2016-17: Euphrates Shield operation to clear so-called Islamic State (IS) militants from border and halt advance of Kurdish fighters

Oct 2017-present 
Observer forces posted in Idlib region to enforce “de-escalation” deal with Russia and Iran

Jan 2018-present
Olive Branch operation in Kurdish enclave of Afrin to clear People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia from border
----------------------------
President Erdogan’s threat follows U.S. decision to set up observation posts in Syria, which Turkey says are aimed at protecting Kurdish YPG militia

JORDAN
TURKEY
ISRAEL
IRAQ
LEBANON
SYRIA
Kobane 
Tal Abyad 
Amuda 
Derbasiya
Hama  
Homs
Damascus
Afrin 
IDLIB
Aleppo
Raqqa
Manbij 
Ras al-Ain
100km 60 miles


Syrian government 
Turkey and allies 
IS militants
Kurdish-led forces 
Syrian rebels
U.S. observation posts


Sources: AP, Syria Live Map, Asharq Al-Awsat Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS
River Euphrates