Series · Security
Cross-Border Operations in Syria
Sezai Akyüz
- Parts
- 8
- Years
- 2022
Parts · in order of publication
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (1): A General Assessment
Turkey’s cross-border operations in Syria, from Shah Euphrates to Claw-Sword. The introductory article of the series examines what the operations have in common, above all their timing.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (2): Operation Shah Euphrates (21–22 February 2015)
In February 2015 the TSK carried out an operation without fighting to bring back the soldiers at the Tomb of Süleyman Shah. According to the author, it was the only and most measured cross-border operation before 15 July.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (3): Operation Euphrates Shield (24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017)
Euphrates Shield, which began with Jarablus in August 2016, was the TSK’s first comprehensive operation against ISIS. The operation ended ISIS’s presence on the border.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (4): The Idlib and Spring Shield Operations (8 October 2017 – 5 March 2020)
The Idlib operation that began with the Astana process, and Spring Shield, which followed the deaths of Turkish soldiers in February 2020: Turkey’s hard test in Idlib.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (5): Operation Olive Branch (20 January – 24 March 2018)
One week after the coalition announced it would form a YPG-dominated border force, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch against Afrin. The story of the most extensive operation in Syria.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (6): Operation Peace Spring (9–18 October 2019)
Operation Peace Spring, launched in October 2019, followed the US withdrawal from the region. Trump’s threatening letter to Ankara became one of the rare documents in the history of diplomacy.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (7): Operation Claw-Sword (20 November 2022)
In November 2022, after the İstiklal Avenue attack, Turkey launched the Claw-Sword air operation in northern Syria and Iraq. The author questions the timing between the attacks and the operation.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (8): The Results of Turkey’s Cross-Border Operations in Syria
All the operations in Syria rested on the goal of toppling Assad; at the time of writing, however, the government was seeking reconciliation with Assad. According to the author, the operations came at a heavy price and their results are questionable.
