Turkey Wants A Buffer Zone In Northern Syria

Wall Street Journal: U.S.-Turkey Deal Paves Way to Set Up Buffer Zone in Northern Syria

Western-backed rebels will try to carve out safe area

The deal allowing U.S. planes to use Turkish bases to strike Islamic State militants is paving the way for establishment of a de facto no-fly zone in northern Syria, Turkish and American officials said.

The broad sketches of the understanding include eventually relying on moderate Syrian rebels to help take control of a buffer zone along the Turkish border, according to a Turkish official who spoke on Sunday. Turkey has pledged to use its F-16 fighter jets to help clear the extremist group’s forces from a safe zone about 55 miles wide and 25 miles deep, the Turkish official said.

If rebels can take control, the area would be protected by coalition airstrikes so Syrian refugees, including some of the nearly two million living in Turkey, can return to their country, the Turkish official said.

WNU Editor: The Turkish government is hoping that the Syrian rebels would be able to take control of such a buffer zone .... hence the reason why the Turkish government is claiming that they do not have plans for troops in Syria .... Turkish prime minister says no plans for ground troops in Syria (Reuters).

More News On Turkey's Push To Create A Buffer Zone In Northern Syria

U.S.-Turkey deal aims to create de facto ‘safe zone’ in northwest Syria -- Washington Post
Turkey strikes Islamic State, Kurdish militants in drive for 'safe zone' -- Reuters
Turkey strikes ISIL, PKK targets in drive for ’safe zone’ -- Today's Zaman
Analytical Guidance: Turkey Intensifies Its Role in Syria -- Stratfor
Turkey nears goal of no-fly zone on Syria border -- Middle East Monitor