The Turkish parliament has approved President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's proposals to extend mandates allowing the deployment of Turkish armed forces in the territories of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. BTA reported this, citing TRT Haber television.
The decision extends the mandate allowing the presence of Turkish troops in Iraq and Syria by three years, and that for the deployment of a military contingent in Lebanon by another two years.
The proposal is motivated by the ongoing terrorist threats on Turkey's southern borders and the instability in the region. Ankara emphasizes that structures of the “Islamic State“ are still operating in Syria and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Turkey views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Forces (PKK) as a threat to its national security. According to the authorities in Ankara, their refusal to integrate into the Syrian government forces hinders efforts to establish lasting stability in the country.
According to the adopted decision, the Turkish armed forces are authorized to carry out cross-border operations against terrorist organizations and to take necessary actions in accordance with international law to protect national security. In addition, the deployment of allied armed forces on Turkish territory for a similar purpose is also authorized.
The Turkish contingent will also continue its participation within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the next two years.