Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Syria

Historical Significance and Background

Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Syria is a military operation that was launched on December 14, 2017. This operation is considered as a significant step in Turkey's Syria policy.

At the time of the incident, the Syrian civil war was still ongoing, and the presence of terrorist organizations in the region posed a serious threat to Turkey. In order to adopt a tough stance against the terrorist organizations located at its borders and ensure its security, Turkey took action.

Prior to the Operation Olive Branch, the terrorist organizations located at Turkey's borders had strengthened themselves by taking advantage of the chaos in Syria's civil war. This situation posed a threat to Turkey's security and necessitated taking action to protect its national interests.

Development of the Incident

Beginning of the Operation

Turkey's Operation Olive Branch was initiated on December 14, 2017, targeting the Afrin region. The aim of the operation was to eliminate the presence of terrorist organizations in the region and secure Turkey's borders.

Military Operations and Progress

With the start of the operation, the Turkish Armed Forces launched comprehensive military operations against the terrorist organizations. With airstrikes and the advancement of ground forces, the defense lines of the terrorist organizations weakened. Turkish forces made significant progress in the Afrin region.

International Reactions

Operation Olive Branch led to different reactions in the international arena. While Turkey's counterterrorism efforts were supported, the intervention of the operation in Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity was criticized by some countries. This situation led to debates about Turkey's Syria policy.

Results and Implications

Operation Olive Branch has both short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, heavy blows were dealt to the terrorist organizations during the operation, and Turkey's borders were secured.

In the long term, Operation Olive Branch contributed to political and social changes in the region. With the weakening of terrorist organizations, the security of the local population was ensured, and the aim was to increase stability in the region.

The operation also became an indicator of Turkey's Syria policy. Turkey demonstrated its determination to carry out military operations beyond its borders in order to protect its national security.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present Day

Operation Olive Branch is considered a significant turning point in Turkey's fight against terrorism. The operation holds great importance in terms of the determination shown against terrorist organizations and the preservation of national security.

Today, the effects of Operation Olive Branch still continue. Turkey's Syria policy and counterterrorism strategy are shaped through Operation Olive Branch. This struggle holds an important place in Turkey's domestic and foreign policy.

Operation Olive Branch is a reflection of Turkey's experiences and lessons learned in the fight against terrorism. By sharing its successes in the fight against terrorist organizations with other countries, Turkey strengthens international cooperation.