The regime units appeared to be reinforcing Syrian Kurdish factions that have controlled the area near the Turkish border, much to the frustration of Ankara. But the United States supports the YPG, depending on its fighters to help combat the jihadist Islamic State. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would begin a heavy assault on the city center of Afrin in coming days. Turkish media incorrectly claims Syrian fighters left Afrin pic.twitter.com/Xpj4qTyVQp — SURA (@AlSuraEnglish) February 20, 2018From the Iranian perspective, the Turkish operation in Afrin was unwelcome. Rising anti-American sentiment in Turkey, combined with U.S. support for the YPG, has placed the United States somewhat at odds with its NATO ally.

Source: Washington Post February 21, 2018 06:00 UTC