UPDATE 2 - Turkish Forces Take Over Syria's Ras Al-Ain After SDF Withdrawal
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published October 20, 2019 | 09:30 PM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2019) The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have left the Syrian northeastern border city of Ras al-Ain and Turkish troops have entered, Ikhbariya broadcaster reported on Sunday.
SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel has confirmed the reports.
"As part of the agreement to pause military operations with Turkey with American mediation. Today, we have evacuated the city of Ras Al-Ain from all SDF fighters. We don't have any more fighters in the city," Gabriel said in a statement.
The Turkish Defense Ministry, in turn, has confirmed the withdrawal of the Kurdish forces, as per the Ankara-Washington deal.
"The [Turkish Armed Forces] TAF closely monitors the withdrawal of PKK / YPG terrorists from the region in 120 hours in accordance with the agreement reached by Turkey and the USA on October 17, 2019. There are absolutely no impediments to withdrawal in this regard, and the activities of exiting and evacuation from the region are firmly coordinated with the US counterparts. In this regard, a convoy of approximately 55 vehicles entered Rasulayn [Ras al-Ain] and a convoy of 86 vehicles departed in the direction of Tel Amir," the ministry said in a statement.
Last week, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that the Turkish military and the Syrian armed opposition took control of Ras al-Ain. At the same time, an SDF spokesman said on Saturday that the withdrawal of forces from the Turkish border would start after Ankara allowed SDF to evacuate remaining fighters and civilians from Ras al-Ain.
Turkey launched the Operation Peace Spring on October 9, saying that the military action aimed to create a safe zone near the Syrian-Turkish border after multiple fruitless discussions between Washington and Ankara. The territory on the Syrian side of the border is currently controlled by the SDF, which Ankara regards as affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party.
On Thursday, the United States and Turkey reached an agreement to implement a 120-hour ceasefire in northeast Syria to allow the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units' forces from the 30-kilometer (over 18 miles) safe zone in northern Syria. Despite the truce, both Turkey and the Kurds accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From World
-
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
1 hour ago -
S.Africa's ex-president Zuma barred from May election
2 hours ago -
Tax the rich: slow progress on the international front
2 hours ago -
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
2 hours ago -
Russia sentences journalist to 2 years in prison, detains others
2 hours ago -
France asks for foreign help for Olympics security: officials
3 hours ago
-
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
3 hours ago -
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
3 hours ago -
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
3 hours ago -
French parliament backs bill against hair discrimination affecting black women
3 hours ago -
Russia says 'evidence' links Ukraine to Moscow attack
3 hours ago -
Russian shelling kills three in Ukraine, officials say
3 hours ago