What is Operation Olive Branch?
Operation Olive Branch, also known as the Olive Branch Operation, was a Turkish military operation conducted in northern Syria from January 20 to March 6, 2018. The operation aimed to clear the Kurdish-controlled areas of Afrin, a region in northern Syria, from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the People’s Protection Units (YPG). The operation was named after the olive branch, a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
The background of Operation Olive Branch can be traced back to the rise of the PKK in the 1980s, which sought to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey. The PKK’s armed struggle against the Turkish government led to a prolonged conflict that claimed thousands of lives. In Syria, the PKK found a new base of operations, establishing control over areas in northern Syria following the Syrian civil war.
As the conflict in Syria escalated, the YPG, which shares similar goals with the PKK, gained prominence in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). However, Turkey viewed the YPG as a threat to its national security, considering it an extension of the PKK. This led to tensions between Turkey and its Kurdish allies in Syria, particularly the YPG.
In response to the perceived threat, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch. The operation involved ground forces, air support, and artillery fire. The Turkish Armed Forces, along with Syrian opposition groups, targeted the YPG and PKK positions in Afrin. The operation resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure in the region.
Despite the operation’s objectives, it faced criticism from various quarters. Human rights organizations accused Turkey of committing war crimes and human rights abuses during the operation. The international community, including the United States and the European Union, expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Afrin and the impact of the operation on regional stability.
The aftermath of Operation Olive Branch has had lasting consequences for the region. The Turkish government’s control over Afrin has been challenged by various factions, including the YPG and other Kurdish groups. The operation has also strained Turkey’s relations with its Kurdish population, both in Turkey and in neighboring countries.
In conclusion, Operation Olive Branch was a Turkish military operation aimed at clearing the Kurdish-controlled areas of Afrin from the PKK and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG. The operation, named after the olive branch symbolizing peace, has had significant implications for the region’s stability and the Kurdish question in Turkey and Syria.
