Ahead of Lavrov Visit, Turkey Escalates in Syria’s Manbij, Tal Rifaat

Members of the Syrian National Army during a maneuver on the Manbij border a few days ago (AFP)
Members of the Syrian National Army during a maneuver on the Manbij border a few days ago (AFP)
TT
20

Ahead of Lavrov Visit, Turkey Escalates in Syria’s Manbij, Tal Rifaat

Members of the Syrian National Army during a maneuver on the Manbij border a few days ago (AFP)
Members of the Syrian National Army during a maneuver on the Manbij border a few days ago (AFP)

Turkish forces and their allies in Syria have stepped up their bombardment of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northern city of Manbij.

The escalation comes at a time Turkish military sources confirmed that the Syrian National Army (SNA) completed preparations for the potential military campaign announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Media outlets reported on Monday that Turkish-backed SNA factions have completed all their preparations and training. These factions now await the decision to launch the military operation targeting Manbij and Tal Rifaat in its first phase, according to unnamed sources.

According to the sources who spoke to Turkish media, leaders from the Turkish army and intelligence met with the leaders of SNA factions in the countryside of Aleppo. During the meeting, Turkish officers informed SNA factions of the final details of possible military operations.

The meeting took place in the Hawar Kilis Operations Room and in the presence of leaders from the armed forces, Turkish intelligence, and the SNA.

Moreover, the meeting was held two days before planned talks for Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and a Russian military delegation in Turkey.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out that Lavrov may discuss Turkey’s possible military operation in Syria during his upcoming visit to Ankara.

“That this subject is likely to be discussed by the minister during his upcoming contacts can be presumed with a great deal of certainty,” he told journalists on Monday.

Responding to a request to comment on information that Russia and its allies in Syria had allegedly bolstered positions around several towns where Ankara’s operation is planned, the Kremlin official said: “I won’t comment, after all, you are talking about Syria’s sovereign territory, it is precisely the armed forces of this state that strengthen to varying degree various sites on their territory.”

Last Wednesday, Turkey’s Erdogan said that a possible military operation in northern Syria would target Manbij and Tal Rifaat.



Lebanon Extends Suspension of Flights from Iran

Passengers departing from Lebanon walk with their luggage to the airport due to a protest by supporters of Hezbollah in front of the entrance to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, 15 February 2025. (EPA)
Passengers departing from Lebanon walk with their luggage to the airport due to a protest by supporters of Hezbollah in front of the entrance to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, 15 February 2025. (EPA)
TT
20

Lebanon Extends Suspension of Flights from Iran

Passengers departing from Lebanon walk with their luggage to the airport due to a protest by supporters of Hezbollah in front of the entrance to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, 15 February 2025. (EPA)
Passengers departing from Lebanon walk with their luggage to the airport due to a protest by supporters of Hezbollah in front of the entrance to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, 15 February 2025. (EPA)

Lebanon extended the suspension of flights to and from Iran and directed security agencies to ensure access to the country’s only airport.

Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said Sunday that Israel threatened to strike if an Iranian plane landed at Beirut airport and criticized the Lebanese government for banning last week's Iranian commercial flight from Beirut. The Israeli military has accused Iran of smuggling cash to Hezbollah via commercial flights.

Travelers stuck in Tehran are still unable to return, and Lebanon's foreign minister has been tasked to ensure the safe return of Lebanese nationals, according to a statement following a Cabinet meeting with President Joseph Aoun.

Hezbollah supporters have protested and blocked roads outside the Beirut airport in recent days. The outgoing deputy commander of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was injured Friday when protesters attacked a convoy taking peacekeepers to the airport.

Hezbollah has attempted to distance itself from the incident. Qassem said Hezbollah was “against the attack on UNIFIL” but also criticized the Lebanese army for tear gassing protesters who gathered “peacefully” on Saturday.