Turkey threatens to attack Syrian army if it enters Afrin to support YPG

Turkey is ready to attack the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) if it enters the area of Afrin to support the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which are now a target of Ankara’s military operation, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced on February 19.

“If the regime [Syrian forces] enters [Afrin] to clear out the YPG, then there is no problem. If they are entering to provide protection to the YPG, then no one can stop Turkey or Turkish soldiers,” Cavusoglu said.

The statement was made after reports appeared earlier on the same day that the SAA was preparing to enter Afrin under an alleged deal between Damascus and the YPG.