In Geopolitics Today - Tuesday, September 14th
Turkey Intensifies Attacks on Kurdish Forces in Iraq & Syria and Greek Efforts at Balancing Against a Rising Turkey
Turkey Intensifies Attacks on Kurdish Forces in Iraq and Syria
The Turkish army, together with allied militia factions, have recently increased their attacks against Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria. Turkish airstrikes have targeted prominent field commanders in an effort to disrupt Kurdish command structures, while at the same time, Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions have increased their military readiness, mobilized additional forces to the frontlines, as well as launched artillery and missile attacks at areas held by Kurdish militia.
Amidst those targeted are troops in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which is a militia group backed by the US-led international coalition. The Turkish army has adopted a new approach in dealing with SDF influence in Northern Syria and Northern Iraq, primarily by relying on drone strikes to target prominent SDF commanders. Since mid-August, Turkish conventional and proxy forces have targeted areas in eastern Aleppo and the outskirts of Ain Issa in northern Raqqa.
In Iraq, Turkish forces are reported to have struck Kurdistan Workers Party positions close to the border with Turkey, where Turkish artillery and assault helicopters struck a number of targets in the Heftanin mountain region. The air strikes were said to have focused on disrupting the delivery of supplies to Kurdish militias, but these often end up destroying the agricultural land on which people rely on for food.
Read more about this story here.
Greek Efforts at Balancing Against a Rising Turkey
Greece has taken several important steps over the last few years to modernise its armed forces. The country faces the most pressing threats in its near-abroad from Turkey, which has drastically boosted its capabilties and now operates in many ways against Greek intersts. To counter Turkish naval capacities, Greece is undergoing a a naval modernisation program of its own in order to secure a strategic advantage in the region.
The modernisation program complements diplomatic efforts undertaken by successive Greek governments, working in sync to counter key Turkish naval advancements. Athens has invested considerable time and resources into fostering a regional bloc to contain an aggressive Turkey, and these efforts are bearing fruit with Greece signing defence cooperation agreements with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states. Closer cooperation has already led to significant deals, including a US $1.65 billion defence contract with Israel.
Military deals have also been accompanied by actions. In February, Greece held the first Philia Forum with Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in which the seven countries issued a joint communique about regional peace, stability and prosperity. On top of that, Athens held the annual Iniochos 2021 military exercises together with Cyprus, Israel, the United States, and the UAE. In effect, the recent years have seen Greece unite a coalition of states worried about a resurgent Turkey with an expansionist agenda. But Greece’s deepening engagement and reliance on other players in the Eastern Mediterranean may carry its own risks.
Read more about this story here.