Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a mandate to parliament for the extension of the military’s authority to conduct operations in Syria and Iraq for another two years. This news was reported by the TRT television channel. The current authorization for the army’s activities in the two countries is set to expire on October 29th. Erdogan has requested the Turkish parliament to extend the mandate for two more years.
The document emphasizes that the extension of the mandate is necessary for “taking necessary measures within the framework of international law against separatist movements, terrorist threats, and all forms of threats to Turkey’s national security,” as well as “preventing attacks on Turkey by all terrorist organizations operating in Iraq and Syria.” These measures include the conduct of cross-border operations.
Prior to this, it was revealed that Turkey’s military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara considers a terrorist organization, will become more active and intense. On October 1st, a terrorist attack took place near the Turkish Ministry of Interior building in Ankara, resulting in injuries to two police officers. One of the terrorists detonated himself, while the other was neutralized. It was also reported that several gunshots were heard before the explosion.
Earlier, Erdogan stated that the Turkish Armed Forces may initiate operations again at the country’s southern borders.
