Free Syrian Army deploys heavy weapons on front with Kurds

ANKARA - The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) has deployed heavy weapons on the front line with Kurdish armed formations in Syria in preparation for a possible military operation, the Turkiye newspaper reported, adding that the Turkish army is also considering a forceful solution to the conflict with the Kurds.

The FSA has reinforced positions in several areas in Aleppo, Hasaka and Rakka provinces. The Free Syrian Army command said it had reinforced its forces in these regions, which are now fully combat capable. Armoured vehicles and other military personnel have been deployed on the front line.

At present, Turkey is not preparing for a direct military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria, but it is not dismissing the possibility. According to the news server, the leadership of the Turkish Ministry of Defence and General Staff has previously conducted a review of the armed forces and special forces units serving in the regions bordering Syria. These units will be deployed if it is decided to carry out a military operation.

Ankara has previously issued an ultimatum to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliated People's Protection Units (YPG) operating in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that his country is demanding that these organisations lay down their arms and cooperate with the new Syrian administration. At the same time, foreign fighters as well as PKK and YPG chiefs must leave Syria. Fidan noted that the new Syrian authorities are working on this issue, but if the PKK does not respond to calls to settle the situation, a military operation would become a "legitimate option."

TASS / gnews.cz-jav