Turkish forces hit 30 targets in Northern Syria

Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that the Turkish Armed Forces conducted airstrikes against 30 targets in northern Syria as of 23:00 local time on October 5.

“In order to eliminate terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from Northern Syria by neutralizing PKK/YPG and other terrorist elements and to ensure our border security; in line with our right to self-defense arising from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, air strikes were carried out on October 5, 2023 at 23:00 on terrorist targets in Tel Rifat, Cizire and Derik regions in Northern Syria and 30 targets consisting of oil wells and storage facilities used by the Separatist Terrorist Organization, as well as caves, shelters, shelters and warehouses, which were thought to contain terrorists at responsible level, were destroyed,” the written statement from the Ministry on October 5 read.

The ministry stated that “a large number of terrorists were neutralized by using domestic and national ammunition to the maximum extent” in the operations.

Intelligence operation in Syria

Prior to the Turkish Armed Forces’ operation, it was reported that the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) struck weapons and ammunition depots belonging to the PKK and YPG in northern Syria in the morning hours of October 5.

According to the reports, the operation organized by MİT hit PKK/YPG’s weapons and ammunition depots, as well as buildings housing attack and sabotage units. Agencies also reported that a power plant was also hit.

Intelligence sources shared a video showing the moment of the attack.

During the day, a presidential decree was submitted to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to extend the duration of the military authorization to send troops to Iraq and Syria for another two years.

Following an attack on Interior Ministry

The operations came after October 1 bomb attack on Interior Ministry which was claimed by the PKK.

Foreign Minister Fidan announced on October 4 that the attack had been planned in Syria and that the terrorists had come to Turkey from Syria.

“As a result of the work carried out by our intelligence and security forces, it has become clear that the two terrorists came from Syria and were trained here (in Syria),” Fidan said in his statement on October 4.

“All infrastructure, superstructure facilities, energy facilities belonging to the PKK/YPG, especially in Iraq and Syria, are now the legitimate targets of our security forces, armed forces and intelligence elements. I advise third parties to stay away from PKK/YPG facilities and individuals,” he warned.

On the same day, a high-level security meeting was held at the Ministry of National Defense in Ankara. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Head of the National Intelligence Service (MIT) İbrahim Kalın, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff Metin Gürak were present at the meeting.

In a statement released after the meeting, Minister Güler reiterated Fidan’s warning and said, “We want everyone to know that all facilities and activities of the PKK/KCK, PYD/YPG in Syria and Iraq will be our legitimate target from now on.”

US shot down Turkish aircraft in Syria

Following the MIT operation, US officials announced the downing of an armed Turkish drone operating near US troops in Syria.

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder stated at a press conference that US F16s shot down a Turkish drone at 11:40 a.m. local time in Hasakah, Syria in self-defense.

Ryder said that at 7:30 a.m. local time, UAVs were observed carrying out airstrikes near Hasakah, Syria, some of which were within the US Restricted Operation Zone near Hasakah, about a kilometer away from the location of US forces.

“At approximately 11 30 local time a Turkish UAV reentered ROZ heading toward where US forces were located. US commanders assessed that the UAV which was now less than a km from the US forces to be a potential threat and US  F16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV in self defence at approximately 11:40 local time” Ryder said.

Describing the downing as a “regrettable incident”, the Pentagon spokesperson added that there was “no indication that Turkey intentionally targeted US forces” and that no US forces were injured.

“We stand with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK. The PKK is designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization. We therefore condemn all acts of terrorism against Turkey and the Turkish people,” Ryder said, adding, “Turkey remains an important and valued NATO ally and partner for the United States.”

Turkish Defense Minister talked US counterpart

Following the incident, US Secretary of National Defense Lloyd Austin and Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler spoke by phone, Ryder said.

It was also announced that the Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gürak, and the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr. and the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr.

In a statement released by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, it was stated that the latest developments in Syria were discussed during the meeting and that Minister Güler stated that “Turkey is ready to fight jointly with the United States against DAESH”.

“Both Ministers emphasized the importance of close coordination between the US and Turkish elements in the activities carried out in the region,” the Ministry said.