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#REDIRECT [[Operation Peace Spring]] {{R from move}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{current|date=October 2019}}
{{For|other Turkish military operations in Syria|Turkish military intervention in Syria}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2019 Rojava offensive
| width =
| partof = the [[Rojava conflict]], [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War|Turkey's involvement]] in the [[Syrian Civil War]], and the [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (2015–present)]]
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| date = 9 October 2019 – present<br>({{Age in months, weeks and days|year1=2019|month1=10|day1=9}})
| place =
Northern parts of [[Aleppo Governorate|Aleppo]], [[Hasakah Governorate|Hasakah]] and [[Raqqa Governorate|Raqqa]] Governorates, Syria
| territory =
| result =
| status = Ongoing
| combatants_header =
| combatant1 = {{flag|Turkey}}<br />{{flagdeco|Syrian opposition}} [[Syrian Interim Government]]
| combatant2 = {{flagicon image|De facto SA-NES Flag.svg}} [[Rojava]]<!--WP:COMMONNAME-->
| combatant3 =
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Turkey}} [[Hulusi Akar]]<br>{{small|(Minister of [[Ministry of National Defence (Turkey)|Defence]])}}<br>{{flagdeco|Turkey}} Gen. [[Yaşar Güler]]<br>{{small|(Chief of the [[General Staff of the Republic of Turkey|General Staff]])}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/milli-savunma-bakani-akar-harekat-ile-ilgili-calismalarimiz-devam-ediyor/1606678|title='Harekat ile ilgili çalışmalarımız devam ediyor'|website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Turkey}} Lt. Gen. Sinan Yayla<br>{{small|(2nd Army Commander)}}<br />{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Salim Idris]]<br>{{small|(Minister of Defence)}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Sayf Abu Bakr<br>{{small|(Hamza Division Commander)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/free-syrian-army-ready-for-potential-new-operation-3502338|title=Free Syrian Army ready for potential new operation|first=Yeni|last=Şafak|website=Yeni Şafak}}</ref>
| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Mazlum Kobane]]<br>{{small|(Commander-in-Chief)}}<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}}{{flagicon image|Infobox Generic SDF MC.png}} Riad Khamis al-Khalaf<br>{{small|(Tal Abyad Military Council Commander)}}
| commander3 =
| commander4 =
| units1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkish Armed Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Air Force Command.svg}} [[Turkish Air Force|Air Force]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces|Land Forces]]
**[[Second Army (Turkey)|2nd Army]]
***5th Armored Brigade
***11th Commando Brigade<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeturk.com/suriye-sinirina-askeri-sevkiyat/haber-1239602|title=Suriye sınırına askeri sevkiyat|website=Timeturk.com}}</ref>
{{flagdeco|Syrian opposition}} [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Syrian National Army]]
*[[Hamza Division (Aleppo)|Hamza Division]]
*{{flagicon image|Official Flag of Syrian Turkmen.jpg}} [[Syrian Turkmen Brigades]]
**Suleyman Shah Brigade
*{{flagicon image|Al-Liwaa.svg}} [[Ahrar al-Sharqiya]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-amass-near-syrian-border-town-for-new-offensive/|title=Turkish-backed militants amass near Syrian border town for new offensive|first=News|last=Desk|date=October 8, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Northern Storm Brigade]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/2019/10/turkish-operations-east-of-the-euphrates-a-rebel|title=Turkish Operations East of the Euphrates: A Rebel Perspective|first=Aymenn Jawad|last=Al-Tamimi|website=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi}}</ref>
| units2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] (SDF)
*{{flagicon image|People's Protection Units Flag.svg|border=no}} [[People's Protection Units]] (YPG)
*{{flagicon image|YPJ Flag.svg|border=no}} [[Women's Protection Units]] (YPJ)
*[[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils|SDF military councils]]
**{{flagicon image|RasAlAyn_MC_infobox_flag.png|border=}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Serê Kaniyê|Serê Kaniyê Military Council]]
**{{flagicon image|Infobox Generic SDF MC.png}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Tal Abyad|Tal Abyad Military Council]]<ref>{{cite web |title=The tal abyad defenders coalition |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGeEfi2WkAA1vvv?format=jpg&name=large |website=pbs.twimg.com}}</ref>
***{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Jihad in the Path of God Brigade (Syrian Rebel Group)|Liwa Ahrar al-Raqqa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010010043/https://twitter.com/Syria_Rebel_Obs/status/1181990308600524805?s=20|title=Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter: "ADD.: forces involved in the defense of the town is the mainly arab composed local council, formed on remnants of the Kataeb al-Farouk (that reforged themselves in new forces inside #SDF) as Liwa Ahrar #Raqqa (also part of #SDF), former Liwa al-Jihad (#FSA too)."|date=10 October 2019|website=web.archive.org}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=October 2019}}
***[[Jaysh al-Salam|Liwa al-Tahrir]]
***{{flagicon image|Flag of Jaysh al-Thuwar.svg}} [[Jaysh al-Thuwar]]
***[[Jabhat al-Akrad]]
***Thuwar Tal Abyad
***Annaba Clan Volunteers
| units3 =
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| strength3 =
| casualties1 = 6 killed (unknown if TAF or FSA members)<ref name="SOHR">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=143263 "SDF thwart the first round of the offensive by Turkish forces and factions loyal to them on Tal Abyad area amid continuing violent shelling on the area"]. Accessed in October 10, 2019.</ref>
| casualties2 = 18 killed, 61 wounded (per SOHR)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=143242|title=More than 20 civilian casualties and wounded in the first 6 hours after launching the Turkish military operation on the area of east Euphrates|publisher=SOHR|date=10 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="SOHR"/>
| casualties3 = 5 civilians killed by Turkish airstrikes, dozens injured (per SDF)<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey begins attack on Kurds in northeast Syria, Erdoğan announces |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/09/syrian-kurds-call-civilians-front-lines-turkey-warns-attack/ |accessdate=9 October 2019 |work=The Telegraph |date=9 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-syria-border-latest-updates-191008131745495.html|title=Turkey-Syria border: All the latest updates|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><br/>8 civilians killed, 20 wounded per Syrian (SANA) news media<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=175299|title=Update-Turkish aggression on Qamishli, Ras al-Ayn and Dirbasyah in Hasaka countryside.. 8 civilians martyred|date=9 October 2019}}</ref><br/>8 civilians killed, 13 wounded by Turkish airstrikes (per SOHR)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=143242|title=More than 20 civilian casualties and wounded in the first 6 hours after launching the Turkish military operation on the area of east Euphrates|date=10 October 2019}}</ref><br/>1 civilian killed, 7 wounded by SDF shelling (per SOHR)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=143248|title=About 10 citizens were killed or injured due to rocket shelling carried out by the forces of “Jarabulus Military Council” on the city of Jarabulus north-east of Aleppo|date=10 October 2019}}</ref>
| notes =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War|}}{{Campaignbox Rojava Revolution}}{{Campaignbox Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War}}{{Campaignbox Foreign involvement in the Syrian Civil War}}{{Campaignbox Kurdish–Turkish conflict}}
}}

The '''2019 Rojava offensive''', also called '''Operation Peace Spring''' ({{lang-tr|Barış Pınarı Harekâtı}}) by the Turkish government, is an ongoing military operation conducted by the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] and [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Syrian National Army]] (SNA) against [[Kurds|Kurdish]]-controlled areas under the [[Rojava|Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria]] (NES), commonly called Rojava, and its armed wing, the [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] (SDF).

On 6 October 2019, the [[Trump administration]] in the United States (U.S.) ordered American troops to withdraw from northeast Syria, where the U.S. had been supporting their Kurdish allies.<ref name=withdraw/> The military operation began on 9 October 2019 when the [[Turkish Air Force]] launched airstrikes on border towns, including [[Ras al-Ayn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/09/turkey-launches-military-operation-in-northern-syria-erdogan|title=Turkey launches military operation in northern Syria|work=[[The Guardian]]|author=Bethan McKernan|date=9 October 2019}}</ref>

According to a spokesman for Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]], the operation is intended to "[[Ethnic cleansing|correct the demographics]]" of northern Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1565401/middle-east|title=After US green light, Turkey prepares military operation in Syria|date=7 October 2019|website=Arab News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/news/turkey-launch-military-operation-syria-ahead-us-withdrawal-1313520|title=Turkey to Launch Military Operation in Syria Ahead of US Withdrawal|website=Al Bawaba}}</ref> The Turkish action was internationally condemned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/world-reacts-turkey-military-operation-northeast-syria-191009181335266.html|title=World reacts to Turkey's military operation in northeast Syria|website=[[Al Jazeera]]}}</ref>

== Background ==
{{Main|Northern Syria Buffer Zone}}
Following months of Turkish threats to unilaterally invade Northern Syria, a deal was struck in August 2019 between Turkey and the United States, which viewed [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] as one of its key allies in the [[military intervention against ISIL]] in Syria. The agreement established the [[Northern Syria Buffer Zone]], which aimed to dissipate tensions by addressing Turkey's 'security concerns' via monitoring and joint patrols, while still allowing the NES to retain control over the areas it had under its control at that time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/08/safe-zone-existing-project-but-deferred-details/|title=Safe Zone: Existing Project But Deferred Details|date=2019-08-29|website=Enab Baladi|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/1b44b8a4-ff0c-44e0-98fe-51c4682e5e6f|title=SDF command reveals details about buffer zone in northeast Syria|last=Kurdistan24|website=Kurdistan24|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> The agreement was received favourably by the US and SDF/NES, but Turkey was generally dissatisfied with the deal. Turkey's dissatisfaction led to numerous Turkish efforts to expand the area covered by the buffer zone, secure Turkish control over parts of it or relocate millions of refugees into the zone, with all of these efforts failing in the face of firm SDF resistance and American ambivalence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKCN1VV0WI|title=Turkey says U.S. stalling on Syria 'safe zone', will act alone if needed|date=2019-09-10|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-10-09|language=en}}</ref>

Despite the official start of US-Turkish ground patrols, the dismantlement of SDF fortrifications and the withdrawal of [[YPG]] units from parts of the buffer zone, tensions continued to rise as Turkey levied yet more demands at the SDF, all of which were denied by the latter, which considered itself to have already accepted a harsh compromise by permitting Turkish troops to take part in joint patrols with their American counterparts in Northern Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/safe-zone/erdogan-cites-us-turkey-disagreement-over-safe-zone-joint-patrols-begin-syria|title=Erdoğan cites U.S.-Turkey disagreement over safe zone as joint patrols begin in Syria|website=Ahval|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> Turkey's dissatisfaction with the [[status quo]] of the agreement grew into open hostility, with the Turkish president openly posing an [[ultimatum]] against the SDF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-to-initiate-own-plans-if-safe-zone-deal-fails-29902|title=Turkey to initiate own plans if safe zone deal fails|last=|first=|date=18 September 2019|website=TRT World|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The ultimatum was ignored and Turkey declared its "deadline" to have expired at the start of October that same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/turkeys-syria-safe-zone-deadline-expires-1.66821497|title=Turkey’s Syria ‘safe zone’ deadline expires|website=gulfnews.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref>

==Prelude==
Preparations for the offensive began in early October, starting with the [[American-led intervention in the Syrian Civil War|withdrawal of American forces]] from positions near the Turkish border, after Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] had a phone call with United States President [[Donald Trump]] about plans for a military operation against SDF-held areas east of the Euphrates river.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/10/08/trump-on-pulling-us-troops-out-of-syria-were-not-a-police-force/|title=Trump on pulling US troops out of Syria: ‘We’re not a police force’|first=J. D.|last=Simkins|date=October 8, 2019|website=Military Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/08/us/politics/trump-erdogan-turkey-visit.html|title=In Trump, Turkey’s Erdogan Keeps Finding a Sympathetic Ear|first1=Michael|last1=Crowley|first2=Carlotta|last2=Gall|date=October 8, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> While the U.S. government has stated it does not support the Turkish-led offensive, the White House also announced on 6 October 2019 that it would not interfere, and would withdraw all U.S. personnel in the area to avoid a potential US-Turkish standoff, hence giving Turkey an unofficial "green light" to begin the offensive.<ref name=withdraw>{{cite news |title=Trump makes way for Turkey operation against Kurds in Syria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49956698?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cp7r8vgl2y7t/kurds&link_location=live-reporting-story |accessdate=10 October 2019 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=7 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/syria-kurds-trump-turkey/|title=Trump Turned His Back on Syrian Kurds. Here’s How They View Their New Precarious Position.|first1=Danny|last1=Gold|first2=Murtaza|last2=Hussain|date=October 8, 2019}}</ref> The US also reportedly cutoff aid to SDF in order not to arm them against a NATO ally.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hubbard |first1=Ben |last2=Gall |first2=Carlotta |title=Turkey Launches Offensive Against U.S.-Backed Syrian Militia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/09/world/middleeast/turkey-attacks-syria.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage |website=The New York Times |date=9 October 2019}}</ref>

On 8 October 2019, the Turkish military reportedly bombed a convoy of weapons vehicles heading from [[Iraq]] into Syria destined for SDF. However SDF did not retaliate to the attack, and no casualties were reported as a result of the air strike.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rt.com/news/470397-turkey-bombs-kurds-syria/|title=Turkey ‘launches airstrike’ against Kurds on Syria-Iraq border – reports|website=RT International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5604267,00.html|title=Report: Turkish warplanes bombing Kurdish targets in northeast Syria|date=July 10, 2019|website=Ynetnews}}</ref> On the same day [[Special Operations Forces (Russia)|Russian special forces]] opened a crossing on the Euphrates river between areas held by the Syrian Government and SDF in the [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-special-forces-open-new-euphrates-crossing-between-sdf-saa-lines-photos/|title=Russian Special Forces open new Euphrates crossing between SDF, SAA lines: photos|work=Al-Masdar News|first=News|last=Desk|date=October 7, 2019}}</ref> While the SDF claimed that the Syrian military was preparing to enter the city of [[Manbij]] in northeastern [[Aleppo Governorate|Aleppo]], the Syrian government responded by saying the build up of the Syrian military near Manbij was being done in order to prevent the Turkish military from entering the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-sdf-claim-syrian-army-is-preparing-to-capture-manbij/|title=Kurdish-led SDF claim Syrian Army is preparing to capture Manbij|work=Al-Masdar News|first=News|last=Desk|date=October 8, 2019}}</ref> On the same day Turkish forces shelled [[Ras al-Ayn]] and fired machine guns at the vicinity of the city, without any information about casualties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=143172|title=The Turkish forces target the vicinity of Ras Al-Ayn area by shells and heavy machineguns, in conjunction with the arrival of new batches of factions loyal to Turkey to the latter's territory in the frame of the anticipated military operation • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=October 8, 2019}}</ref>

== Operation ==
The operation began on 9 October 2019, with Turkish [[airstrike]]s and [[howitzer]]s targeting the [[Syrian Democratic Forces|SDF]] held towns of [[Tell Abyad]], [[Ras al-Ayn]] where thousands of people were reported to have fled the town,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKBN1WO05Z|title=Civilians flee Syrian border towns as Turkish warplanes, artillery kick off offensive|date=9 October 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> [[Ain Issa]] and [[Qamishli]]. The date is the anniversary of the [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]] leader [[Abdullah Öcalan]]'s expulsion from Syria in 1998, by the [[Presidency of Hafez al-Assad|government]] of [[Hafez al-Assad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/09/turkey-launches-military-operation-in-northern-syria-erdogan|title=Turkey launches military operation in northern Syria|first=Bethan|last=McKernan|date=October 9, 2019|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-syria-border-latest-updates-191008131745495.html Turkey-Syria border: All the latest updates]]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/09/c_138458986.htm|title=Turkey starts military operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria - Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn|website=www.xinhuanet.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/northeast-syria/isis-resurgence-syria-may-have-already-begun|title=ISIS’ resurgence in Syria may have already begun|website=Ahval}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10097230/isis-sleeper-cells-carry-out-new-attacks-turkey-syria-invasion/|title=ISIS fightback begins as sleeper cells carry out new attacks, notorious radio station relaunches and jihadi brides regroup amid Turkey’s Syria invasion|date=9 October 2019|website=The Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1188523/isis-suicide-attack-raqqa-syria-us-troop-withdrawal-kurdish-forces-turkey-invasion|title=Syria crisis: Suicide attack sparks fears of new ISIS terror campaign after US withdrawal|first=Simon|last=Osborne|date=9 October 2019|website=Express.co.uk}}</ref> The Kurds announced that they were halting all operations against ISIS in order to face the Turkish assault.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/09/syrian-kurds-call-civilians-front-lines-turkey-warns-attack/|title=Kurds abandon fight against Isil as Turkey attacks with air power and artillery deep into Syria|first=Sanchez|last=Raf|date=9 October 2019|website=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

In response to the cross-border shelling, SDF's spokesman claimed that Turkey was targeting civilians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/syria-turkey-military-offensive-dle-intl/index.html|title=Turkey begins military offensive in Syria: Live updates|date=October 9, 2019|website=www.cnn.com}}</ref> Six rockets were later launched at the Turkish city of [[Nusaybin]] as a response by the PKK, and two reportedly hit the Turkish town Ceylanpınar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.star.com.tr/guncel/6-roket-nusaybin-ilce-merkezindeki-bazi-noktalara-isabet-etti-haber-1485981/|title=YPG/PKK'lı teröristlerin attığı roket Nusaybin'e düştü &#124; STAR|website=Star.com.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2019/10/09/nusaybin-ve-ceylanpinara-havan-mermisi-dustu|title=Nusaybin ve Ceylanpınar'a havan mermisi düştü!|website=takvim.com.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/turkey-launches-assault-syrian-kurdish-forces-doc-1l92e211|title=Turkey launches assault on Syrian Kurdish forces|website=AFP.com}}</ref> SDF also announced in response to the start of the Turkish operation they would be halting anti-ISIL operations,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-us-backed-syrian-forces-153523404.html|title=EXCLUSIVE-US-backed Syrian forces halt counter-Islamic State operations -sources|website=news.yahoo.com}}</ref> and that two civilians had been killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49983357|title=Turkey launches Syria offensive with air strikes|date=9 October 2019|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref>

By the end of the day, the Turkish military announced that the ground phase of the operation had begun from three points - including [[Tell Abyad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haberturk.com/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-dan-harekat-aciklamasi-2529427|title=Barış Pınarı'nda kara harekatı da başladı|website=www.haberturk.com}}</ref>

Before dawn on the morning of 10 October 2019, the Turkish military officially began the ground offensive against SDF; they also announced that they had hit 181 targets in northern Syria, and 14,000 rebels backed by Turkey are also reportedly taking part in the Turkish-led offensive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Turkey-Syria border: All the latest updates |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-syria-border-latest-updates-191008131745495.html |website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref>

==Reactions==
===Reactions in Turkey===
A day prior to the operation, all Turkish opposition parties except the [[Peoples' Democratic Party (Turkey)|Peoples' Democratic Party]] (HDP) voted to extend the military's mandate on Syria. Opposition party leaders [[Meral Akşener]] ([[İyi Party]]) and [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] ([[Republican People's Party (Turkey)|Republican People's Party]]) expressed their support for the military operation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/how-turkey-s-syria-offensive-is-being-received-by-opposition-parties-30487|title=How Turkey’s Syria offensive is being received by opposition parties}}</ref> Akşener and Kılıçdaroğlu were directly informed of the operation by President Erdoğan after it launched.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timeturk.com/erdogan-muhalefet-liderlerini-bilgilendirdi/haber-1239972 |title=Erdoğan muhalefet liderlerini bilgilendirdi |language=tr}}</ref>

The HDP condemned the operation, calling it an "extremely dangerous and wrong step" and stating that "Turkey is being dragged into a dangerous and deep trap".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hdp.org.tr/en/statements/a-new-military-front-in-northern-syria-will-deepen-the-deadlock/13582|title=A new military front in Northern Syria will deepen the deadlock|website=www.hdp.org.tr}}</ref>

===Reactions in Syria===
*{{flagdeco|Syria}} [[Syrian Government]] – The government strongly condemned the Turkish attack, dubbing it a "disgraceful breach of international law and UN resolutions that respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-govt-slams-new-turkish-operation-in-syria/|title=Syrian gov't slams new Turkish operation in Syria|last=Desk|first=News|date=2019-10-09|website=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] – An SDF spokesman told [[Al-Jazeera]] regarding the offensive, "Threats made by Turkey to attack the area is not something new, they have constantly done it for years. We as Syrian Democratic Forces take the matter into account and are fully prepared to fiercely respond to any imminent attack on Syrian soil."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-preparations-syria-incursion-complete-191008082547251.html|title=Turkey: Preparations 'complete' for Syria military action|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref>
*{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Jaysh al-Izza]] - Jaysh al-Izza's leader criticzed fighters leaving Idlib to take part in the Turkish-led operation against SDF, on twitter, saying they should instead remain in Idlib to retake areas lost to the government in an offensive in [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)|August]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010010044/https://twitter.com/GAMYLSALH/status/1181157840192495616?s=20|title=الرائد جميل الصالح on Twitter: "أقول للذي ترك أرضه التي سُلبت منهُ وذهب لتحرير مناطق لغرض سياسي ، ريف حماة أحقُ بتجهيزك هنا القتال وهنا حق استرداد الأرض .."|date=10 October 2019|website=web.archive.org}}</ref>

===International reactions===
;UN-member states
* {{flag|United States}} – President [[Donald Trump]] stated that "the United States does not endorse this attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad idea." <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/09/turkey-launches-military-operation-in-northern-syria-erdogan|title=Turkey unleashes airstrikes against Kurds in north-east Syria|first1=Bethan McKernan Julian Borger in|last1=Washington|first2=Dan|last2=Sabbaghdefence|first3=security|last3=editor|date=9 October 2019|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref> Trump has threatened to devastate the economy of Turkey if they do "anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |title=‘They didn’t help us with Normandy’: Trump abandons the Kurds — rhetorically if not literally |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/10/09/trump-has-abandoned-kurds-least-rhetorically/ |accessdate=10 October 2019 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=10 October 2019}}</ref> However, Trump defended his decision to withdraw American troops, arguing that the Kurds "didn't help us in the [[World War II|second world war]], they didn't help us with [[Operation Overlord|Normandy]] as an example".<ref name=normandy>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Maanvi |title=Trump defends Syria decision by saying Kurds 'didn't help us with Normandy' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/09/trump-syria-kurds-normandy |accessdate=October 10, 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=October 9, 2019}}</ref> Trump also stated: "Alliances are very easy. But our alliances have taken advantage of us".<ref name=normandy/> Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] denied that the U.S. had given a 'green light' for Turkey to attack the Kurds. However, Pompeo defended the Turkish military action, stating that Turkey has a "legitimate security concern" with "a terrorist threat to their south".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rogin |first1=Ali |title=Turkey had ‘legitimate security concern’ in attacking Syrian Kurds, Pompeo says |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/turkey-had-legitimate-security-concern-in-attacking-syrian-kurds-pompeo-says |accessdate=10 October 2019 |work=[[PBS Newshour]] |date=9 October 2019}}</ref> Senator [[Lindsey Graham]] warned that he would "introduce bipartisan sanctions against Turkey if they invade Syria". He said he would also "call for their suspension from [[NATO]] if they attack Kurdish forces who assisted the U.S. in the destruction of the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS Caliphate]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Lindsey Graham turns on Trump over ‘disaster’ Syria move |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-syria-turkey-lindsey-graham-twitter-pomepo-isis-assad-iran-middle-east-a9146161.html |work=The Independent |date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Egypt}} – Egypt condemned Turkey's offensive. It also called for the UN Security Council to halt "any attempts to occupy Syrian territories" or "change the demographics in northern Syria". In addition, it called for an emergency meeting of the [[Arab League]].<ref name="aljazeera-All the latest updates"/>
*{{flag|Iran}} – Foreign minister [[Mohammad Javad Zarif]] has voiced opposition to the offensive viewing it as a violation of Syria's sovereignty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-opposes-military-action-in-syria-zarif-tells-turkey/|title=Iran opposes military action in Syria, Zarif tells Turkey|website=www.timesofisrael.com}}</ref> However regarding the US withdrawal from Syria Zarif commented saying the US was an "irrelevant occupier in Syria", and said that Iran would be willing to mediate tensions between Syria and Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201910071076980594-us-is-an-irrelevant-occupier-in-syria---irans-foreign-minister-zarif/|title=US is "Irrelevant Occupier in Syria" - Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif|website=sputniknews.com}}</ref> In addition, Iran's parliamentary speaker [[Ali Larijani]] cancelled his scheduled trip to Turkey.<ref name="aljazeera-All the latest updates">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-syria-border-latest-updates-191008131745495.html|title=Turkey-Syria border: All the latest updates|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref>
*{{flag|Russia}} – President [[Vladimir Putin]] called a meeting of the [[Security Council of Russia]] on 8 October to discuss the issue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61751|title=Meeting with Security Council permanent members|website=President of Russia}}</ref> He spoke to Erdoğan by phone the next day; Putin urged his Turkish partners to carefully consider the situation so as not to damage the overall efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61755|title=Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan|website=President of Russia}}</ref> The Russian government also stated that Turkey has a right to defend itself however called upon foreign militaries with what it described as an illegal presence in Syria to leave.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-explainer-idUSKBN1WO1UV|title=Explainer: Turkish operation may redraw map of Syrian war once again|date=9 October 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Iraq}} – President [[Barham Salih]] condemned the operation, stating that "Turkey’s military incursion into Syria is a grave escalation; will cause untold humanitarian suffering, empower terrorist groups. The world must unite to avert a catastrophe, promote political resolution to the rights of all Syrians, including Kurds, to peace, dignity & security".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BarhamSalih/status/1182008431319928832|title=Turkey’s military incursion into Syria is a grave escalation; will cause untold humanitarian suffering, empower terrorist groups. The world must unite to avert a catastrophe, promote political resolution to the rights of all Syrians, including Kurds, to peace, dignity & security|last=Salih|first=Barham|date=2019-10-09|website=@BarhamSalih|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Finland}} – In response to the offensive, Finland announced they would cease arms exports to Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-11013073|title=Suomi tuomitsee Turkin hyökkäyksen Syyriaan – asevientiluvat Turkkiin jäädytetään|last=عاجل|first=|date=2019-10-09|website=Uutiset|language=fi|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> Turkish [[Ministry of the Interior (Turkey)|Minister of Interior]] [[Süleyman Soylu]] reportedly reacted laughing and said: "They did good. It's not important for us."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/finlandiya-turkiyeye-silah-satisini-durdurdu-406589h|title="Finlandiya, Türkiye'ye silah satışını durdurdu"|date=9 October 2019|website=Halk TV}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}} – The government of Saudi Arabia condemned Turkey's actions in a statement, saying that the operation "has negative repercussions on the security and stability of the region".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1182009235846107136|title=#KSA pointed out that the seriousness of this aggression on northeastern Syria has negative repercussions on the security and stability of the region, especially undermining the int'l efforts in combating ISIS organization.|last=Ministry  🇸🇦|first=Foreign|date=2019-10-09|website=@KSAmofaEN|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> The Saudi foreign ministry also claimed that the offensive is a violation of Syria's unity, independence and sovereignty.<ref name="alarabiya">{{cite web |title=Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt condemn Turkey’s aggression on Syria |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/10/09/Saudi-Arabia-condemns-Turkish-aggression-on-north-east-Syria.html |website=english.alarabiya.net |language=en}}</ref>
*{{Flag|United Kingdom}} – In a telephone call with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] described the offensive as an "invasion" and expressed "serious concern".<ref>Prime Minister's Office, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-call-with-president-trump-9-october-2019 PM call with President Trump: 9 October 2019], accessed 10 October 2019</ref>
* {{Flag|France}} – Foreign Minister [[Jean-Yves Le Drian]] condemned the unilateral Turkish operation in northeast Syria on 9 October 2019, and declared "(It is ) is [''sic''] jeopardising the anti-Islamic State coalition’s security and humanitarian efforts and is a risk for the security of Europeans. It has to end".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-france/france-says-turkey-operation-jeopardises-security-and-humanitarian-efforts-idUKKBN1WO2LW|title=France says Turkey operation jeopardises security and humanitarian efforts|date=9 October 2019}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Canada}} - On 9 October 2019, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland stated on Twitter that Canada "firmly condemns Turkey’s military incursion into Syria today."<ref>{{cite news |title=Canada condemns Turkey's military action against Kurdish forces |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-canada/canada-condemns-turkeys-military-action-against-kurdish-forces-idUSKBN1WO2SC |agency=Reuters |date=October 9, 2019}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} - The UAE stated that they condemn the offensive in the strongest terms and condemn Turkish interference in the [[Arab Gulf]].<ref name="alarabiya"/>
*{{flag|Bahrain}} - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the military attack by Turkey on areas in northeast of Syria.<ref name="alarabiya"/>
;Supranational
*{{flag|United Nations}} – The UN cautioned regarding the offensive calling for the protection of civilians. Panos Moumtzis, the UN's Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, commented saying "Any (military) operation that takes place at the moment has to take into account to ensure that we don’t see any further displacement."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-un-idUSKBN1WM0TH|title=U.N. calls for protecting civilians in northeast Syria|date=October 7, 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
*{{flag|European Union}} – High Representative [[Federica Mogherini]] issued a declaration on behalf of the EU on 9 October 2019 stating that "In light of the Turkish military operation in north-east Syria, the EU reaffirms that a sustainable solution to the Syrian conflict cannot be achieved militarily. The EU calls upon Turkey to cease the unilateral military action."<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 October 2019|title=Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on recent developments in north-east Syria|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/10/09/declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-recent-developments-in-north-east-syria/}}</ref>
*{{flag|NATO}} – Secretary General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] said that Turkey is "at the forefront of the crisis and has legitimate security concerns", having suffered terrorist attacks and hosting millions of refugees. He added that NATO was informed by Turkish authorities about the ongoing operations in Northern Syria. He further stated that it was "important to avoid actions that may further destabilise the region, escalate tensions, and cause more human suffering." He called on Turkey to "act with restraint" and said that the gains made against ISIS should not be jeopardized.<ref>[https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_169485.htm?selectedLocale=en] by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the joint press point with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giuseppe Conte</ref>

;Other regional actors
*{{flag|Kurdistan Region}} – The autonomous [[Kurdistan Region]] of [[Iraq]] expressed deep concern and called upon Turkey to "avoid any initiative that would undermine the progress made against ISIS".<ref>{{cite news |title=KRG Statement on developments in Northeastern Syria |url=https://gov.krd/english/news-and-announcements/posts/2019/october/krg-statement-on-developments-in-northeastern-syria/ |accessdate=9 October 2019 |work=Kurdistan Regional Government |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Operation Olive Branch]]
*[[Operation Euphrates Shield]]
*[[Northern Syria Buffer Zone]]
*[[Turkish occupation of northern Syria]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}
{{Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)}}
{{Portal bar|Asia|Kurdistan|Turkey|War}}

[[Category:2019 in Turkey]]
[[Category:Al-Hasakah Governorate in the Syrian Civil War]]
[[Category:Aleppo Governorate in the Syrian Civil War]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2019]]
[[Category:Cross-border operations of Turkey]]
[[Category:Kurdish–Turkish conflict (2015–present)]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War in 2019]]
[[Category:October 2019 events in Syria]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the People's Protection Units]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving Turkey]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Syrian Democratic Forces]]
[[Category:Raqqa Governorate in the Syrian Civil War]]

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