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Turkish army convoy enters Syria to reinforce base
A Turkish convoy has carried “aid” into Syria, Prime MinisterRecep Tayyip Erdoğan said on April 23, responding to claims that Turkish forces have started an operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) near the tomb of Süleyman Shah, which sits 25 kilometers from the border and remains under Turkish sovereignty under a 1921 treaty.
“Right now, the issue is not about ISIL. The job of our convoy there is to transfer aid to the Süleyman Shah tomb. Our friends in charge are continuing the effort,” Erdoğan told journalists after hosting primary school students in Ankara for national Children’s Day.
Social media accounts regarded as close to ISIL had reported earlier on April 23 that six Turkish tanks, 12 armored vehicles and 300 Turkish soldiers had been deployed 200 meters from ISIL positions in northern Syria, quoting eyewitnesses. Same sources claimed the ISIL also reinforced its own forces.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu reiterated on March 14 that Turkey had the right to “take all precautions to protect the tomb,” following clashes between the Free Syrian Army and ISIL in the area.
Energy Minister Taner Yıldız also said on March 20 that there was “no difference” between the land of the tomb and Ankara.
“The tomb of Süleyman Shah is a rare place, being Turkish land outside of Turkey’s own borders. There is no difference between the tomb and Ankara or Sinop. The soil on which it is located is Turkish soil. Our armed forces are ensuring security and protecting it,” Yılıdız said.
The tomb of Süleyman Shah is located in the governorate of Aleppo, and sits 25 kilometers from the Turkey-Syria border. It remains under Turkish sovereignty under a 1921 treaty signed between Turkey and France, which was then the colonial power in Syria. The agreement was renewed after Syria gained independence in 1936.
Erdogan confirms ‘aid’ to Turkish military post inside Syria - MIDEAST
Turkish army convoy enters Syria to reinforce base | General | Worldbulletin News
Article 10 of the Franco Turkish Agreement of Ankara
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