1/ Turkish forces launched a bombing campaign against U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria following Trump's decision to abruptly withdraw U.S. forces from the region, paving the way for the attack. The attacks are aimed at crushing Kurdish militias, which have been fighting for their independence from Turkey. The Turkish bombing campaign, which is being conducted in coordination with the Syrian National Army, immediately drew criticism and calls for restraint from European leaders. Kurdish-led forces in the area have been key U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his military is targeting both Kurdish fighters and ISIS extremists. "The Turkish Armed Forces," Erdogan tweeted, "together with the Syrian National Army, just launched #OperationPeaceSpring against PKK/YPG and Daesh [Isis] terrorists in northern Syria." (New York Times / Associated Press / NPR / The Guardian)
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2019/10/09/day-993/
