'Turkey to thwart wave of terror with Idlib operation'

The Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) is currently engaged in the Idlib operation. It is expected that FSA forces will first advance into the area, and then the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) will enter to establish peace.

Güngören Yavuzaslan, an expert on the Middle East, said that the ultimate aim of the Idlib operation was to ensure peace and stability in the region.

“Turkey launched the operation for global security. Yet Western countries are silent. Our NATO allies are silent. We are conducting this operation with Russia. Our troops are carrying out an operation yet are allies have failed to support us,” Yavuzaslan said.

He added that the Tahrir al-Sham alliance and other terrorist groups were located in the Idlib region, and that terror organizations had started to take control of Syrian cities.

“Turkey will establish a stable area near the de-escalation zone. Turkey is using its military power to hint at the end result. Turkey is on the field as the country that will play a decisive role. Idlib’s population has exceeded 2 million people who are fleeing clashes in Aleppo, Hama and Homs,” Yavuzaslan said.

“Turkey is going to thwart the wave of terror that has broken out in the region. This will also impact the situation in Afrin. Turkey specifically chose this location, and will be able to make a move on the Afrin matter. The TAF will move into city centers, but the FSA will enter in the first stage,” he added.

Many Syrian opposition groups will support the TAF. Turkish troops will enter the region after the FSA, and de-escalation zones will be established.

“Turkish troops will undertake a critical role. It’s going to be a process with many alternatives,” Yavuzaslan said.