The Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army does not want interference from USA special forces, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, blaming the “behaviour” of US officials for exacerbating tension with the rebels.
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The Turkish military also said in a statement that US special forces were supporting an operation that was being carried out between the Syrian towns of Azaz and al-Rai. “This is now going south”, Erdogan said, referring to Ankara’s operation dubbed “Euphrates Shield”.
“Jarablus and al-Rai have been cleansed, now we are moving towards al-Bab”. The offensive will extend to the Islamic State-stronghold of al-Bab, he said.
The president added in televised comments that the zone already cleared “could be extended to 5,000 square kilometres as part of a safe zone”.
Turkey is home to some 2.5 million Syrian refugees but Erdogan suggested Turkey’s actions could see more returning to safe areas.
Erdogan was speaking in Istanbul ahead of a trip to NY, where he is due to address the UN General Assembly.
Hundreds returned to Jarabulus earlier this month with Ankara’s support including supplying electricity.
The visit, the first of its kind in 11 years, has opened the door for further positive developments, the sources said after the talks, which focused on military cooperation and the conflict in Syria.
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At least seven suspected suicide bombings across Turkey since July 2015, which have killed more than 250 people, have been blamed on Islamic State.
