Socio-Economics History Blog

Socio-Economics History Blog

Stephen Lendman: Reports of Troop Movements Near Syria’s Borders!

by mosesman

  • Reports of Troop Movements Near Syria’s Borders! 
    by Stephen Lendman, http://sjlendman.blogspot.sg/ 

    After Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced new rules of engagement, Turkey deployed missile batteries, rocket launchers, and anti-aircraft weapons close to Syria’s border. About 30 military trucks arrived in Iskenderun. From there, they moved toward Syria’s border 30 miles away.
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    Armored military vehicles also headed for Sanliurfa and Reyhanli in Southern Turkey’s Hatay Province. On June 29, Reuters headlined “Syrian tanks amass near Turkish border, FSA (Free Syrian Army) general says.” According to General Mustafa al-Sheikh, Syria deployed around 170 tanks north of Aleppo within 19 miles of Turkey’s border. No independent confirmation was provided. Speaking to Reuters by phone, al-Sheikh said:
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    Tanks from the 17th Mechanized Division “are now at the Infantry School. They’re either preparing to move to the border to counter the Turkish deployment or attack the rebellious (Syrian) towns and villages in and around the border zone north of Aleppo.”
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    On Thursday, Turkey belligerently sent troops and weapons close to Syria’s border. Damascus perhaps reacted defensively. Expect no imminent attack by either side. Ankara won’t act without orders from Washington. It hasn’t come, but could given escalating violence and rhetoric.
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    Saber rattling suggests public opinion is being conditioned for war. On June 28, Ankara’s National Security Council (MSK) said:
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    “Turkey will act with determination and make use of all its rights within international law against this hostile act.”
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    It referred to Syria downing its aircraft. It provocatively entered its territory low and fast. Damascus was blamed for Ankara’s belligerence. Expect more provocations to follow.
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    Meanwhile, Mossad-connected DEBKAfile (DF) headlined “Saudi forces mass on Jordanian, Iraqi borders. Turkey, Syria reinforce strength,” saying:
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    “(H)eavy Saudi troop movements (headed) toward the Jordanian and Iraqi borders (with Syria) overnight and up until Friday morning….after King Abdulah put the Saudi military on high alert for joining an anti-Assad offensive….”
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    Units include tanks, missiles, special forces and anti-air batteries. Two units were deployed. “One will safeguard Jordan’s King Abdullah against potential Syrian or Iranian reprisals from Syria or Iraq.”
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    “The second will cut north through Jordan to enter southeastern Syrian, where a security zone will be established around the towns of Deraa, Deir al-Zour and Abu Kemal – all centers of the anti-Assad rebellion.”
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    DF said Western forces reported Jordan “on war alert.”
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    Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other regional states know Syria poses no threat. If confirmed, deploying Saudi troops to Syria’s border escalates tensions. It may also reflect belligerent intent.

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