UN chief expresses 'deep concern' over Turkish offensive in Syria

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed his "deep concern" at the spiralling violence in Syria a day after Turkey launched an offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas. "I want to express my deep concern about the escalation of conflicts we are witnessing in eastern Syria," Guterres told a press conference in Copenhagen. He said any solution to the conflict needed "to respect the sovereignty of the territory and the unity of Syria". His remarks came as the five European members of the UN Security Council -- France, Germany, Britain, Belgium and Poland -- called on Ankara to halt its military operation against Syrian Kurdish forces. 

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Turkey began offences in Northeastern Syria

The Turkish military, supported by Syrian proxies, began its offensive in northeastern Syria on Wednesday, shortly after the US withdrew its troops from the area -- a move which effectively saw America abandon its Kurdish allies in the fight against Islamic State (IS). Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" for the return of Syrian refugees.  But the intervention has sparked international anger, raising fears of a new refugee crisis and concern that thousands of jihadists being held in Syrian Kurdish prisons could use the opportunity to escape. 

READ: Mike Pompeo Defends Syria, Says They Did Not Allow Turkey To Attack

India also 'deeply concerned'

India on Thursday said it was "deeply concerned" over the "unilateral military offensive" by Turkey in northeastern Syria and asserted that the action can undermine stability in the region as well as the fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, Turkish jets and artillery targeted Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "We are deeply concerned at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in northeast Syria."Turkey's actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism, it said. The action also has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress, the MEA said in a statement. "We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We urge the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion," the MEA said.

READ: India Calls Upon Turkey To Respect Territorial Integrity Of Syria

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