The Turkish authorities have adopted a policy of restricting their militias, known as the National Army, in the areas they control in northern and northeastern Syria since the beginning of July. This move follows recent events involving opponents of the Turkish presence and Ankara’s efforts to restore normal relations with Damascus.
Sources close to Ankara’s militias in the Aleppo countryside and Ras al-Ain, northwest of Hassakeh, confirmed that Turkish intelligence had warned militia leaders against any “riots” targeting Turkish forces in their areas of influence, whether in the northeast or northwest of the country.
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According to sources speaking to Al-Watan, a meeting was held in Ankara last Sunday between Turkish intelligence and leaders of the National Army militias, along with officials from the so-called “interim government” funded by Turkey. The meeting concluded that the armed and political opposition must respect Ankara’s decisions and actions to protect its national security, improve its economy, and alleviate the internal pressure caused by Syrian refugees in Turkey.
The sources also stated that Turkish authorities will impose more sanctions against any hostile movements in the future within the areas they call Olive Branch in Afrin, north of Aleppo, Euphrates Shield in Azaz, al-Bab, and Jarablus, northeast of the governorate, as well as the Peace Spring area in Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad, north and northeast of the Euphrates.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
