Six months ago, Syrian rebel factions disclosed their intention to launch a “major offensive” to Turkish authorities, according to information shared with Reuters by two individuals familiar with the situation.
The report indicated that the rebels perceived this communication as having garnered “tacit approval” from Turkey, allowing them to proceed with their plans.
The sources, comprising a regional diplomat and a member of the Syrian opposition, emphasized that the rebels would not have been able to advance without first notifying Turkey. One source stated unequivocally, “There was no way the rebels could act without Turkey being informed.”
Turkey, a long-time backer of opposition forces since the onset of the Syrian conflict, maintains a military presence in northwestern Syria. Despite this support, Turkey has resisted a rebel-led offensive due to concerns that it could trigger a massive refugee crisis along its border.
An opposition representative shared the rebels’ stance in their communication with Turkey, saying, “You don’t have to do anything, just don’t intervene.”
Nuh Yilmaz, Turkey’s deputy minister for foreign affairs, addressed the matter at a conference on Saturday. He clarified that Turkey was not responsible for the offensive and expressed the country’s apprehension about the region’s instability. Sources further noted that it would be inaccurate to claim the attack occurred with Turkey’s explicit endorsement.
Meanwhile, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed to Reuters that while the U.S. recognized Turkey’s general support for the rebel factions, it had no knowledge of any implicit agreement endorsing an offensive.
Additionally, Reuters highlighted that Hezbollah, the Lebanese terror group, had scaled back its presence in Syria, redirecting much of its forces to address urgent needs in Lebanon.
{Matzav.com}
