Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on 20 January 2018, sending aircraft against positions held by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, or YPG, in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region.
Ankara described the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which Turkey, the United States and the European Union designate as a terrorist organisation. The United States had nevertheless worked with YPG-led forces elsewhere in Syria against Islamic State, making the Turkish offensive a serious point of tension between NATO allies.
Turkey said the opening air campaign struck more than one hundred targets. Turkish-backed Syrian opposition groups participated on the ground, and Turkish ground forces moved across the frontier as the operation developed. Kurdish authorities accused the attackers of striking civilian areas, while Turkey said it was targeting militant infrastructure and taking precautions to protect civilians.
The offensive added another layer to Syria’s already fragmented war. Russia controlled much of the relevant airspace, the Syrian government condemned the intervention, and Washington urged restraint. The operation eventually resulted in Turkish-backed forces taking Afrin city in March, while displacement and allegations of abuses created lasting humanitarian and political consequences.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
