Operation Olive Branch

Operation Olive Branch was a Turkish military operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces and allied Syrian National Army against the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and YPG in the Afrin Canton of Syria. The operation was launched on January 20, 2018, with the aim of capturing the Afrin Canton and removing YPG and PYD forces from the region. The operation was supported by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, and was seen as a response to the United States' support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the YPG. The operation was also linked to the Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War and the Rojava conflict.

Background

The Afrin Canton had been under the control of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and YPG since 2012, when the Syrian Arab Army withdrew from the region. The YPG had established a de facto autonomous region in northern Syria, which was seen as a threat by Turkey due to its links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The Turkish government had been calling for the removal of YPG forces from the Afrin Canton for several years, and had previously launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016 to capture Jarabulus and Al-Bab from ISIS. The operation was also linked to the Battle of al-Bab and the Manbij offensive.

Military Operations

The operation began on January 20, 2018, with Turkish Air Force airstrikes against YPG positions in the Afrin Canton. The Turkish Armed Forces and allied Syrian National Army then launched a ground assault, capturing several villages and towns in the region. The YPG and PYD responded with guerrilla tactics, including Ambushes and IED attacks. The operation was supported by Turkish artillery and Turkish Air Force airstrikes, which targeted YPG positions and Civilian areas. The United States and other NATO allies called for restraint, but Turkey continued to press ahead with the operation, which was linked to the Battle of Serekaniye and the Ras al-Ayn offensive.

International Reactions

The operation was widely condemned by the International community, with the United Nations calling for a ceasefire and the protection of Civilians. The European Union and the United States also expressed concern, with the US Department of State calling for Turkey to exercise restraint. However, Russia and Iran supported the operation, with Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani calling for the removal of YPG forces from the region. The operation was also linked to the Astana Peace Process and the Sochi agreement. The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also issued statements on the operation, which was seen as a challenge to the Syrian peace process and the Geneva Peace Conference.

Humanitarian Impact

The operation had a significant humanitarian impact, with thousands of Civilians displaced and many more trapped in the conflict zone. The United Nations estimated that over 150,000 people were displaced, with many more in need of humanitarian assistance. The operation also resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including Hospitals, Schools, and Water supply systems. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern about the humanitarian situation, which was linked to the Syrian refugee crisis and the European migrant crisis. The operation was also criticized by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which accused Turkey and its allies of War crimes and Human rights abuses.

Aftermath

The operation ended on March 24, 2018, with the capture of Afrin City by Turkish Armed Forces and allied Syrian National Army forces. The YPG and PYD withdrew from the region, and the Turkish government established a Pro-Turkish government in the Afrin Canton. The operation was seen as a significant victory for Turkey, which had achieved its goal of removing YPG forces from the region. However, the operation also had significant consequences for the Kurdish people and the Syrian Civil War, which was linked to the Idlib demilitarization and the Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone. The operation was also seen as a challenge to the United States and its allies, which had supported the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS. The operation was linked to the US withdrawal from Syria and the Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War. Category:Conflicts in 2018