Northern Syria Buffer Zone

{{Main|Operation Olive Branch|Timeline of the Kurdistan Workers' Party insurgency (2015–present)|Syrian Civil War}}

File:Claimed and de facto territory of Rojava.png-controlled territory (green) and Turkish-controlled territory (red) {{dubious|date=October 2019}}]]

The Syrian Democratic Forces are an armed participant in the Syrian civil war and serve as the armed forces of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The SDF is composed of numerous groups, most prominent among them being the YPG and YPJ and their political branch, the PYD, which Turkey considers a branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK),{{Cite web|url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/51705/turkey-to-launch-new-syria-operation-targeting-kurdish-militias.html|title=Turkey to Launch New Syria Operation Targeting Kurdish Militias|date=16 July 2019|website=The Syrian Observer|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155902/https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/51705/turkey-to-launch-new-syria-operation-targeting-kurdish-militias.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/07/24/turkey-rejects-syria-safe-zone/|title=Turkey rejects latest proposals on Syria safe-zone, accuses US of stalling|date=24 July 2019|website=The Defense Post|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=30 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730153633/https://thedefensepost.com/2019/07/24/turkey-rejects-syria-safe-zone/|url-status=live}} an organization which Turkey considers a terrorist group and with which it has engaged in armed conflict since the breakdown of peace negotiations in 2015. For this reason, Turkey views the entire SDF as merely an extension of the PKK. This has led Turkey to intervene twice against the group by 2019, first by invading northern Syria to prevent the linking of SDF-held areas and later by launching a full-scale attack against the SDF in Afrin. As a result of these incursions, Turkey established an occupation zone in northern Syria, which became subject to an SDF insurgency. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan frequently expressed a desire to forcefully remove the SDF from the Syrian-Turkish border.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1UU0GS|title=Turkey to launch offensive in Kurdish-controlled area in northern...|date=5 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155902/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1UU0GS|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/3dd05574-b6d6-11e9-8a88-aa6628ac896c|title=Erdogan threatens attack on Kurdish forces in Syria|website=Financial Times|location=London|date=4 August 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=19 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919001207/https://www.ft.com/content/3dd05574-b6d6-11e9-8a88-aa6628ac896c|url-status=live}}

The SDF, for its part, became one of the United States' main Syrian partners in the war against the Islamic State, leading to US troops being stationed within SDF-held territories, thus dissuading a Turkish cross-border invasion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/12/world/middleeast/syria-sdf-us-islamic-state.html|title=They Were 'Comrades in Arms' Against ISIS. Now the U.S. Is Eyeing the Exit.|last1=Hubbard|first1=Ben|date=12 May 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=25 August 2019|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609055238/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/12/world/middleeast/syria-sdf-us-islamic-state.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/how-the-united-states-can-still-keep-faith-with-its-best-allies-in-syria|title=How the United States Can Still Keep Faith With Its Best Allies in Syria|website=washingtoninstitute.org|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825161405/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/how-the-united-states-can-still-keep-faith-with-its-best-allies-in-syria|url-status=live}} At the same time, US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to disengage from the Syrian civil war, initially ordering all US personnel in Syria to be withdrawn{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/28/unintended-consequences-trump-decision-withdraw-syria/|title=The Unintended Consequences of Trump's Decision to Withdraw From Syria|last=Seligman|first=Lara|website=Foreign Policy|date=28 January 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727070739/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/28/unintended-consequences-trump-decision-withdraw-syria/|url-status=live}} before later deciding to maintain a small contingent, at the behest of his military advisors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2019/2/22/18236122/syria-troops-trump-400-sanders|title=Trump reversed his plan to pull all US troops out of Syria|last=Ward|first=Alex|date=22 February 2019|website=Vox|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801133657/https://www.vox.com/2019/2/22/18236122/syria-troops-trump-400-sanders|url-status=live}} Nonetheless, the US was keen on maintaining good relations with Turkey, which had by that point already been strained by the refusal of the US to extradite Turkish dissident Fethullah Gülen (whom Turkey accused of masterminding the failed 2016 coup d'état) and the Turkish purchase of S-400 missile systems from Russia,{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/11/the-u-s-turkey-relationship-is-worse-off-than-you-think/|title=The U.S.-Turkey Relationship Is Worse Off Than You Think|last=Sazak|first=Selim|website=Foreign Policy|date=11 September 2018|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155901/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/11/the-u-s-turkey-relationship-is-worse-off-than-you-think/|url-status=live}} as Turkey is considered NATO's key member in the Middle East.{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/us-turkey/turkey-too-important-west-lose-analysis|title=Turkey too important for West to lose – analysis|website=Ahval|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155903/https://ahvalnews.com/us-turkey/turkey-too-important-west-lose-analysis|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/is-natos-future-at-risk-over-us-turkey-rift/a-49212700|title=Is NATO's future at risk over US-Turkey rift? {{!}} DW {{!}} 14 June 2019|website=DW.COM|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155900/https://www.dw.com/en/is-natos-future-at-risk-over-us-turkey-rift/a-49212700|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.meforum.org/59223/us-syria-presence-blocks-iranian-gains|title=The U.S. Presence in Syria Blocks Iranian, Russian, and Turkish Gains|last=Frantzman|first=Seth|website=Middle East Forum|date=23 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913221248/https://www.meforum.org/59223/us-syria-presence-blocks-iranian-gains|url-status=live}}

File:Combined Joint U.S., Turkey Patrols.jpg on 1 November 2018 as part of the 'Manbij Roadmap'. The roadmap was never fully implemented and joint patrols ceased shortly thereafter.]]

The US and Turkey had previously clashed diplomatically over the issue of the SDF-held city of Manbij, with Turkey wanting to purge the city of the YPG units stationed there. The result was a 'Manbij Roadmap' being agreed to by Turkey and the US, which would eventually entail a YPG withdrawal from the city.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/07/26/us-and-turkish-troops-coordinate-patrols-in-tense-manbij-region-of-syria/|title=US and Turkish troops coordinate patrols in tense Manbij region of Syria|last=Rempfer|first=Kyle|date=26 July 2018|website=Military Times|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171026/https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/07/26/us-and-turkish-troops-coordinate-patrols-in-tense-manbij-region-of-syria/|url-status=live}} The roadmap, however, was never implemented and the YPG never withdrew. Turkey accused the US of dragging its feet and sabotaging the implementation of the roadmap, vowing to never enter into a similar deal in the future.{{Cite web|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2018/09/30/turkey-accuses-us-of-failing-to-abide-by-deal-on-syrian-town/|title=Turkey accuses US of failing to abide by deal on Syrian town|agency=Associated Press|date=30 September 2018|website=Military Times|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155902/https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2018/09/30/turkey-accuses-us-of-failing-to-abide-by-deal-on-syrian-town/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-reiterates-ypg-warning-over-syrias-manbij-141030|title=Erdoğan reiterates YPG warning over Syria's Manbij – Turkey News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=5 February 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155903/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-reiterates-ypg-warning-over-syrias-manbij-141030|url-status=live}}

Relations between Turkey and the SDF became increasingly hostile in mid-2019, with the SDF joining forces with Bashar al-Assad's government forces to repel a Turkish-opposition military operation near Tell Rifaat.

During summer of 2019, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Turkey could "no longer wait" and would not tolerate continued SDF presence along the Turkish-Syrian border.{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/07/25/the-u-s-and-turkey-disagree-over-syria-safe-zone-kurdish-ypg-militia-spain-parliament-sanchez-podemos-trump-mexico/|title=U.S. and Turkey Spar Over Syria Safe Zone|last=Wilson|first=Audrey|website=Foreign Policy|date=25 July 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727225424/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/07/25/the-u-s-and-turkey-disagree-over-syria-safe-zone-kurdish-ypg-militia-spain-parliament-sanchez-podemos-trump-mexico/|url-status=live}} He stated that if the US did not agree to a deal that would remove the SDF from those areas, Turkey would unilaterally launch a full-scale invasion against SDF-held territories east of the Euphrates river, establishing a Turkish-occupied "security zone" along the border – something that US leadership viewed as "unacceptable".{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190806-erdogan-threatens-syria-offensive-eliminate-kurdish-ypg|title=Erdogan threatens to attack Syrian Kurdish militia 'very soon'|date=6 August 2019|website=France 24|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828090411/https://www.france24.com/en/20190806-erdogan-threatens-syria-offensive-eliminate-kurdish-ypg|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190805-erdogan-publicly-announces-turkey-invasion-east-of-the-euphrates/|title=Erdogan publicly announces Turkey invasion east of the Euphrates|date=5 August 2019|website=Middle East Monitor|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825161407/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190805-erdogan-publicly-announces-turkey-invasion-east-of-the-euphrates/|url-status=live}} With the Turkish army massing along the border, the Trump administration decided to enter into negotiations with Turkey over establishing a "safe zone", which would fundamentally address the SDF presence in Northern Syria. The two sides initially failed to make any headway, with the US initially offering a {{convert|10-15|km|mi}}-deep zone under joint US-Turkish control, while Turkey demanded a {{convert|30-50|km|mi}}-deep zone under sole Turkish control.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/us-launches-last-ditch-effort-to-stop-turkish-invasion-of-northeast-syria/2019/08/04/3b0fd5a8-b55f-11e9-8949-5f36ff92706e_story.html|title=U.S. launches last-ditch effort to stop Turkish invasion of northeast Syria|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=8 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908114728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/us-launches-last-ditch-effort-to-stop-turkish-invasion-of-northeast-syria/2019/08/04/3b0fd5a8-b55f-11e9-8949-5f36ff92706e_story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/us-warns-turkey-syria-buffer-zone.html|title=US warns Turkey on Syria amid last-ditch talks to resolve buffer zone dispute|date=6 August 2019|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825161405/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/us-warns-turkey-syria-buffer-zone.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/aggression-syria-rejects-turkey-safe-zones-deal-190808093815065.html|title='Blatant aggression': Syria rejects US-Turkey safe zones deal|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827023212/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/aggression-syria-rejects-turkey-safe-zones-deal-190808093815065.html|url-status=live}}

On 7 August 2019, Turkey said it reached a framework deal with the United States that would prevent a unilateral Turkish invasion of northern Syria. The initial first steps reportedly included the creation of a "joint operations centre", which would coordinate the establishment of a "peace corridor" along the Syrian side of the Syrian-Turkish border, while still leaving details about the size and scope of the "peace corridor" undefined and ambiguous.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/07/syria-turkey-and-us-reach-deal-to-manage-tensions-over-kurds|title=Syria: Turkey and US reach deal to manage tensions over Kurds|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=7 August 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 August 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826231231/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/07/syria-turkey-and-us-reach-deal-to-manage-tensions-over-kurds|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-07/turkey-s-akar-says-syria-talks-with-u-s-were-positive-anadolu|title=Turkey, U.S. Reach Agreement on Creating Buffer Zone in Syria|publisher=Bloomberg News|date=7 August 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110030337/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-07/turkey-s-akar-says-syria-talks-with-u-s-were-positive-anadolu|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/7/us-turkey-said-reach-deal-head-clash-over-syria-ku/|title=U.S., Turkey said to reach deal to head off clash over Syria, Kurds|last=Meier|first=Lauren|website=The Washington Times|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923225609/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/7/us-turkey-said-reach-deal-head-clash-over-syria-ku/|url-status=live}}

File:Tigr-euph.png and Euphrates rivers, between which the buffer zone was established in northern Syria]]

In mid-August 2019, the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces revealed that the two sides had agreed on the specifics of the safe zone deal. They were listed as follows:{{Cite news|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/1b44b8a4-ff0c-44e0-98fe-51c4682e5e6f|title=SDF command reveals details about buffer zone in northeast Syria|last=Arafat |first=Hisham |work=Kurdistan24|access-date=18 January 2025|archive-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830091418/https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/1b44b8a4-ff0c-44e0-98fe-51c4682e5e6f|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/08/16/turkey-us-syria-border-zone-airspace/|title=Turkey, US agree on northern Syria buffer zone airspace control, Akar says|date=16 August 2019|website=The Defense Post|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817004134/https://thedefensepost.com/2019/08/16/turkey-us-syria-border-zone-airspace/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/en///haber/mazloum-abdi-entire-border-must-be-protected-h10887.html|title=Mazloum Abdi: Entire border must be protected – ANHA {{!}} HAWARNEWS {{!}} English|website=hawarnews.com|language=tr|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825162949/https://www.hawarnews.com/en///haber/mazloum-abdi-entire-border-must-be-protected-h10887.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RojavaNetwork/status/1164544275507482625|title=#Safe_zone: Syrian democratic forces begins implementing the safe zone. First step is SZ of 5 km, where US and Turkish military will joint patrols monitor the area from which #SDF troops will withdraw and local military council will remain. #Twitterkurds #Rojava #Turkeypic.twitter.com/7Z6aOybGGL|last=Network|first=Rojava|date=22 August 2019|website=@RojavaNetwork|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010164503/https://twitter.com/rojavanetwork/status/1164544275507482625|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/turkey-united-states-syria-turks-skeptical-over-safe-zone.html|title=Turks skeptical over accord with US for Syrian 'safe zone'|last=Idiz|first=Semih|date=15 August 2019|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817031717/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/turkey-united-states-syria-turks-skeptical-over-safe-zone.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/08/26/first-phase-of-safe-zone-begins-while-turkeys-mistrust-over-previous-deals-with-us-lingers|title=First phase of safe zone begins, while Turkey's mistrust over previous deals with US lingers|website=DailySabah|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=26 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826011526/https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/08/26/first-phase-of-safe-zone-begins-while-turkeys-mistrust-over-previous-deals-with-us-lingers|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/25082019|title=No permanent Turkish army posts will be in buffer zone: SDF spokesperson|website=rudaw.net|access-date=27 August 2019|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202070855/https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/25082019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/08/safe-zone-existing-project-but-deferred-details/|title=Safe Zone: Existing Project But Deferred Details|date=29 August 2019|website=Enab Baladi|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829113716/https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/08/safe-zone-existing-project-but-deferred-details/|url-status=live}}

• A buffer zone (also referred to as "safe zone" or "peace corridor" by some parties){{efn|The SDF objects to the terms "safe zone" and "peace corridor", as they deem the areas they control to already be safe and peaceful. Those two terms are instead often used by the Turkish and US authorities to refer to the zone.}} would be established in the areas between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (notably excluding the Manbij area) in Northern Syria, totaling in about 115 km of the border between the two countries.
• The zone would be {{convert|5|km|mi}} deep in most areas, while in a few limited areas would be expanded to {{convert|9-14|km|mi}}{{Efn|Turkey expressed dissatisfaction with the 9-5-14km model being established and has demanded it to be expanded to 32 km. The United States has ignored the demand, while the SDF has categorically rejected it.|name=|group=}} deep. The expanded part of the zone would be located between the towns Serêkanî and Tell Abyad. The 14 km portion of the zone may be extended by {{convert|4|km|mi}} in the last stage of the implementation of the deal, reaching {{convert|18|km|mi}} at its deepest point and being designated as a "security belt". Within the "security belt", regular SDF (including YPG and YPJ) units would be allowed to remain in their positions, but would have to withdraw all heavy weapons. No hostile actions or acts of aggression would be permitted within the buffer zone.
• YPG and YPJ forces would withdraw from the 5-9-14 km area of the buffer zone entirely, leaving the areas they withdraw from under the military control of the SDF military councils and the civil control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (the latter of which represents a confirmation of the status quo).
• Turkish reconnaissance aircraft would be allowed to monitor the zone, but Turkish warplanes would not be allowed to enter and no airstrikes would take place.
• The SDF would dismantle the border fortifications it has constructed along the Syrian-Turkish border.
• The US and Turkey would conduct joint military patrols along the buffer zone, but would not occupy territory. Separate Turkish patrols would not be permitted.
• The joint US-Turkish operations center would oversee the implementation of the deal and coordinate actions between the two parties.
• Some of the Syrian refugees currently housed in Turkey would start to be relocated to the areas within the zone.{{efn|Exactly which persons would be allowed to enter remained a contentious topic, as the SDF insisted that any resettled refugees that previously fought for Jabhat Al-Nusra, ISIL or other designated terrorist groups would have to stand trial. The SDF further insisted that only refugees that previously lived in those areas be allowed to resettle. Turkey, on the other hand, demanded that over 1 million refugees be resettled in the zone. Turkey later increased its demand to 2 to 3 million refugees.}}
• Turkey would refrain from any incursions into Northern Syria.
• Turkey would not establish any observation posts in Northern Syria, as it had done in Idlib. All observation posts would have to be built on the territory of the Republic of Turkey.

The SDF later clarified that the majority of the zone would include rural areas and military positions, but not cities and towns.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/08/27/world/europe/27reuters-syria-security-sdf.html|title=SDF and Kurdish YPG Forces to Pull From Turkey-Syria Border Strip: SDF|agency=Reuters|date=27 August 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=27 August 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827150405/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/08/27/world/europe/27reuters-syria-security-sdf.html|url-status=live}}

On 14 August 2019, Turkish observation drones began surveillance flights over the buffer zone.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-idUSKCN1V41DP|title=Turkish drones start operating in northern Syria: ministry|date=14 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825165713/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-idUSKCN1V41DP|url-status=live}}

File:Buffer Zone border fortification destruction.jpg dismantle border fortifications in northern Syria under the supervision of U.S. soldiers, 22 August 2019]]

On 22 August, the SDF began dismantling border fortifications along the Syrian-Turkish border under U.S. supervision.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1164981779708698624|title=Within 24 hours of the phone call between U.S. SECDEF and Turkish MINDEF to discuss security in northeast Syria, the SDF destroyed military fortifications, Aug 22. This demonstrates SDF's commitment to support implementation of the security mechanism framework.pic.twitter.com/7OwGELGzoQ|last=Command|first=U. S. Central|date=23 August 2019|website=@CENTCOM|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824084818/https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1164981779708698624|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://en.muraselon.com/2019/08/sdf-begins-withdrawing-from-turkish-border-in-north-syria/|title=SDF begins withdrawing from Turkish border in north Syria {{!}}|date=23 August 2019|website=Muraselon News|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825165712/https://en.muraselon.com/2019/08/sdf-begins-withdrawing-from-turkish-border-in-north-syria/|url-status=live}}

On 24 August, Turkish defense minister Hulusi Akar reported that the U.S.-Turkish combined joint operations center (CJOC) was fully operational, adding that joint helicopter flights would begin that same day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/turkey-centre-syria-safe-zone-fully-operational-190824182223857.html|title=Turkey-US ops centre on Syria safe zone 'fully operational'|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829175256/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/turkey-centre-syria-safe-zone-fully-operational-190824182223857.html|url-status=live}}

• The first joint U.S.-Turkish helicopter flight took place, with two generals, one from the United States Army and one from the Turkish army, flying on the same helicopter.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-us-conduct-first-reconnaissance-flight-in-syria-146026|title=Turkey-US conduct first reconnaissance flight in Syria – Turkey News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=25 August 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825155919/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-us-conduct-first-reconnaissance-flight-in-syria-146026|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190825-us-turkey-us-conduct-first-reconnaissance-flight/|title=US: Turkey-US conduct first reconnaissance flight|date=25 August 2019|website=Middle East Monitor|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825161420/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190825-us-turkey-us-conduct-first-reconnaissance-flight/|url-status=live}}

On 26 August, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that joint U.S.-Turkish ground patrols within the zone would begin "soon".{{Cite web|url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/erdogan-says-turkish-troops-will-enter-planned-syria-safe-zone-soon-3499023|title=Erdoğan says Turkish troops will enter planned Syria safe zone 'soon'|website=Yeni Şafak|language=tr-TR|access-date=26 August 2019|archive-date=26 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826111901/https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/erdogan-says-turkish-troops-will-enter-planned-syria-safe-zone-soon-3499023|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/efforts-ongoing-for-turkey-us-patrols-in-syria-safe-zone/1565181|title=Efforts ongoing for Turkey-US patrols in Syria safe zone|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=26 August 2019|archive-date=26 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826111903/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/efforts-ongoing-for-turkey-us-patrols-in-syria-safe-zone/1565181|url-status=live}}

On 27 August, the first stage of the planned Kurdish withdrawal came into effect, with YPG units leaving their positions and withdrawing along with their weapons from Tell Abyad and Ras al-Ayn.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-sdf-idUKKCN1VH1BJ|title=SDF and Kurdish YPG forces to pull from Turkey-Syria border strip -...|date=27 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=27 August 2019|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827151534/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-sdf-idUKKCN1VH1BJ|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syrian-kurds-pull-forces-from-turkish-border-after-safe-zone-deal-1.903300|title=Syrian Kurds pull forces from Turkish border after safe zone deal|website=The National|date=27 August 2019|access-date=27 August 2019|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827164403/https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syrian-kurds-pull-forces-from-turkish-border-after-safe-zone-deal-1.903300|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/6ea0b2eb-5b51-4583-93c8-2f717f655350|title=YPG withdraws forces from Syrian-Turkish border|last=van Wilgenburg |first=Wladimir |work=Kurdistan24|access-date=18 January 2025|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829025557/https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/6ea0b2eb-5b51-4583-93c8-2f717f655350|url-status=dead}}

On 31 August, Turkish president Erdoğan threatened that Turkey would "implement its own plans" if Turkish soldiers are not allowed to control the buffer zone in Northern Syria within two or three weeks.{{efn|No provision was made in the deal for Turkish control over the buffer zone, nor for standalone Turkish patrols within it, as of the time the Turkish President made this statement. This places the statement in direct contradiction with the previously reported terms of the deal.|name=|group=}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1VL0GP|title=Turkey to implement northeast Syria plan unless controls 'safe...|date=31 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=31 August 2019|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901202348/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1VL0GP|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/08/31/turkey-has-no-patience-or-time-regarding-syria-safe-zone-erdogan-says|title=Turkey has no patience or time regarding Syria safe zone, Erdoğan says|website=DailySabah|date=31 August 2019|access-date=31 August 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904150555/https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/08/31/turkey-has-no-patience-or-time-regarding-syria-safe-zone-erdogan-says|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-apply-its-own-plan-if-not-allowed-to-control-syria-safe-zone-erdogan-146212|title=Turkey to apply its own plan if not allowed to control Syria safe-zone: Erdoğan – Turkey News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=31 August 2019|access-date=31 August 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904075030/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-apply-its-own-plan-if-not-allowed-to-control-syria-safe-zone-erdogan-146212|url-status=live}}

On 4 September, the SDF's Ras al-Ayn military council (composed of local fighters loyal to the SDF) began joint patrols with U.S. personnel around the town, following the withdrawal of regular SDF units from the area a week prior.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-allied-kurdish-force-conduct-patrol-on-syrian-border-1.597228|title=US, allied Kurdish force conduct patrol on Syrian border|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904202221/https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-allied-kurdish-force-conduct-patrol-on-syrian-border-1.597228|url-status=dead}}

• Turkish president Erdogan described the buffer zone as "nothing more than a name".{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/09/04/syria-safe-zone-nothing-more-than-a-name-erdogan-says|title=Syria safe zone nothing more than a name, Erdoğan says|website=DailySabah|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904224600/https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/09/04/syria-safe-zone-nothing-more-than-a-name-erdogan-says|url-status=live}} Despite Erdoğan's statement, his spokesman stated that Turkey had already completed its preparations for the implementation of the "U.S.-Turkish joint operational plan".{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-is-ready-for-syria-safe-zone-kalin-29534|title=Turkey is ready for Syria safe zone – Kalin|date=4 September 2019|website=TRT World|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904202226/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-is-ready-for-syria-safe-zone-kalin-29534|url-status=live}}
• An SDF executive council co-chair stated that the buffer zone had gone off to a "good start", but insisted that Turkey must withdraw its troops from the border before "calm could prevail".{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/d2a4e501feb44d668da31513e2cc9097|title=Kurdish official: Syria's 'safe zone' off to a good start|last=Deeb|first=Sarah El|date=4 September 2019|agency=Associated Press|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905004317/https://www.apnews.com/d2a4e501feb44d668da31513e2cc9097|url-status=live}}

On 5 September, U.S. and Turkish helicopters conducted a third round of joint aerial reconnaissance patrols within the buffer zone.{{cite web|url=https://www.eucom.mil/media-library/pressrelease/39843/joint-u-s-and-turkey-reconnaissance-flight|title=Joint U.S. and Turkey Reconnaissance Flight|date=6 September 2019|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921002316/https://www.eucom.mil/media-library/pressrelease/39843/joint-u-s-and-turkey-reconnaissance-flight|url-status=live}}

• Turkish president Erdoğan expressed his desire to resettle one million refugees (out of the 3.6 million residing in Turkey at that point) within the buffer zone. He accused the international community, namely the European Union, of not providing help with the refugee burden. He threatened to "open the gates", implying to let all of the refugees freely emigrate, if Turkey did not receive support for its plans in the buffer zone. He then demanded that joint U.S.-Turkish (ground) patrols within the zone begin by the last week of September.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/244248/article/ekathimerini/news/erdogan-threatens-to-open-gates-to-europe-over-buffer-zone|title=Erdogan threatens to 'open gates' to Europe over buffer zone {{!}} Kathimerini|website=ekathimerini.com|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905110324/http://www.ekathimerini.com/244248/article/ekathimerini/news/erdogan-threatens-to-open-gates-to-europe-over-buffer-zone|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://bianet.org/english/world/212671-erdogan-we-will-let-refugees-cross-into-europe-if-syria-safe-zone-not-established|title=Erdoğan: We will Let Refugees Cross into Europe If Syria Safe Zone Not Established|date=5 September 2019|website=Bianet|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171033/https://bianet.org/english/world/212671-erdogan-we-will-let-refugees-cross-into-europe-if-syria-safe-zone-not-established|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-syrian-refugees-open-the-gates|title=Turkey's Erdogan threatens to 'open the gates,' allow Syrian refugees to leave for Western countries|last=Wallace|first=Danielle|date=5 September 2019|publisher=Fox News|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906022625/https://www.foxnews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-syrian-refugees-open-the-gates|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/05/erdogan-ill-let-syrian-refugees-leave-turkey-for-west-unless-safe-zone-set-up|title=Erdoğan: I'll let Syrian refugees leave Turkey for west unless safe zone set up|last=Agencies|date=5 September 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 September 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906052016/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/05/erdogan-ill-let-syrian-refugees-leave-turkey-for-west-unless-safe-zone-set-up|url-status=live}}

On 6 September, Turkish defense minister Hulusi Akar announced that joint U.S.-Turkish ground patrols within the zone were due to begin on Sunday, 8 September.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/29bc266897564e5aa68a7cba59022349|title=Turkish-US ground patrols of Syria safe zone to start Sunday|date=6 September 2019|agency=Associated Press|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906153953/https://apnews.com/29bc266897564e5aa68a7cba59022349|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKCN1VR1SZ|title=Turkish-U.S. land patrols in Syria to start on 8 Sept.: Anadolu|date=6 September 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906153952/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKCN1VR1SZ|url-status=live}}

File:Us-turkey joint patrol 2.jpg

File:U.S.-led Coalition oversees fortification reduction.jpg oversee deconstruction of YPG fortifications, 16 September 2019]]

On 8 September, Turkish and United States Armed Forces personnel conducted their first joint ground patrol starting from the perimeter of Tell Abyad, close to the Turkish town of Akçakale.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190911205309/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-us-begin-safe-zone-joint-patrols-in-north-syria/2019/09/08/9061d632-d21a-11e9-8924-1db7dac797fb_story.html Turkey, US begin ‘safe zone’ joint patrols in north Syria]{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-and-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-northeast-syria|title=US and Turkey launch joint patrols in northeast Syria|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909042740/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-and-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-northeast-syria|url-status=live}} Six Turkish armored vehicles were involved in the patrol, along with several American armored vehicles, with the U.S. vehicles leading the convoy. The patrol headed to a Kurdish-controlled base to inspect it and to ensure that trenches and sand berms had been removed.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkey-us-begin-safe-zone-joint-patrols-north-65463437|title=Turkey, US begin 'safe zone' joint patrols in north Syria|publisher=ABC News|location=United States|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=8 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908215827/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkey-us-begin-safe-zone-joint-patrols-north-65463437|url-status=live}}

• The Assad government vehemently condemned the initiation of joint patrols, stating that it viewed them as representing a flagrant violation of Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-patrols-idUSKCN1VT0C8|title=Syria says joint U.S.-Turkish patrols violate country's sovereignty|date=8 September 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909181604/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-patrols-idUSKCN1VT0C8|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=172937|title=Syria condemns launching US-Turkish joint patrols in the Syrian al-Jazeera region|last=ghossoun|date=8 September 2019|website=Syrian Arab News Agency|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913030511/https://sana.sy/en/?p=172937|url-status=live}}
• Turkish president Erdoğan expressed dissatisfaction with the buffer zone, accusing the United States of creating the buffer zone for the benefit of the YPG, instead of Turkey.{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/safe-zone/erdogan-cites-us-turkey-disagreement-over-safe-zone-joint-patrols-begin-syria|title=Erdoğan cites U.S.-Turkey disagreement over safe zone as joint patrols begin in Syria|website=Ahval|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=15 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015043956/https://ahvalnews.com/safe-zone/erdogan-cites-us-turkey-disagreement-over-safe-zone-joint-patrols-begin-syria|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/kasimileri_/status/1170708750652583938?s=21|title=#JustIn Erdoğan: "It seems that our ally (US) is after creating a safe zone for the terror group (YPG/PKK) not for us. We reject this approach"|last=İleri|first=Kasım|date=8 September 2019|website=@kasimileri_|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171026/https://twitter.com/kasimileri_/status/1170708750652583938?s=21|url-status=live}}

On 10 September, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu accused the United States of "stalling" the implementation of the zone and reasserted the threat that Turkey would unilaterally invade Northern Syria, if it deemed it necessary. He further demanded that the safe zone be expanded to 32 km, rather than the 5-9-14 model being implemented at that point by the U.S. and SDF.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKCN1VV0WI|title=Turkey says U.S. stalling on Syria 'safe zone', will act alone if...|date=10 September 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009165214/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKCN1VV0WI|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://ekurd.net/us-stalling-syria-safe-zone-2019-09-10|title=U.S. stalling on Syria 'safe zone', Turkey will act alone if needed: FM|author=Editorial Staff|date=10 September 2019|website=Kurd Net – Ekurd.net Daily News|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915123948/https://ekurd.net/us-stalling-syria-safe-zone-2019-09-10|url-status=live}}

On 12 September, the U.S. military was reported as considering the proposition of sending about 150 additional troops to Northern Syria in an attempt to "reduce tensions" between the SDF and Turkey.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/461228-us-could-deploy-150-troops-to-syria-report|title=US could deploy 150 troops to Syria: report|date=13 September 2019|website=The Hill|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913191900/https://thehill.com/policy/defense/461228-us-could-deploy-150-troops-to-syria-report|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/world/middleeast/syria-war.html|title=U.S. Poised to Send 150 Troops to Patrol Northeastern Syria|date=12 September 2019|website=The New York Times|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913164813/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/world/middleeast/syria-war.html|url-status=live}} A Pentagon spokesman however stated that the U.S. "posture" in Syria would remain "unchanged".{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-force-posture-in-syria-unchanged-pentagon/1582548|title=US force posture in Syria unchanged: Pentagon|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001205638/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-force-posture-in-syria-unchanged-pentagon/1582548|url-status=live}}

On 18 September, Turkish president Erdoğan stated Turkey was seeking to settle 2 to 3 million refugees within the border zone (up from one million from his 5 September statement). He reiterated the now-repeated threat to "implement [Turkey's] own plans" if he deemed that "no results [had] come" from the deal in two weeks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/09/erdogan-three-million-syrian-refugees-return-safe-zone.html|title=Erdogan touts grand plans to resettle Syrian refugees in safe zone|date=18 September 2019|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091108/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/09/erdogan-three-million-syrian-refugees-return-safe-zone.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-erdogan-idUKKBN1W31AE|title=Erdogan says 2 million-3 million Syrian refugees can be resettled...|date=18 September 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091110/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-erdogan-idUKKBN1W31AE|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-to-initiate-own-plans-if-safe-zone-deal-fails-29902|title=Turkey to initiate own plans if safe zone deal fails|date=18 September 2019|website=TRT World|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091111/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-to-initiate-own-plans-if-safe-zone-deal-fails-29902|url-status=live}}

On 19 September, the U.S. military was reported to have continued arming YPG forces, despite repeated Turkish objections. The United States Department of Defense confirmed that it was continuing to supply "tailored" arms and vehicles to the SDF in general, stating that it was providing monthly reports to Turkey as to what arms and vehicles were sent to the group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-continues-to-arm-syrian-kurds-despite-turkeys-objections/|title=US continues to arm Syrian Kurds despite Turkey's objections|date=19 September 2019|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091109/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-continues-to-arm-syrian-kurds-despite-turkeys-objections/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://ekurd.net/us-continues-arm-kurds-2019-09-19|title=U.S. continues to arm Kurds in Syrian Kurdistan: Pentagon|author=Editorial Staff|date=19 September 2019|website=Kurd Net – Ekurd.net Daily News|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091113/https://ekurd.net/us-continues-arm-kurds-2019-09-19|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/09/19/Pentagon-US-continues-to-arm-Kurds-in-Syria.html|title=Pentagon: US continues to arm Kurds in Syria|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=19 September 2019|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920091109/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/09/19/Pentagon-US-continues-to-arm-Kurds-in-Syria.html|url-status=live}}

On 24 September, U.S. and Turkish troops conducted their second joint ground patrol within the buffer zone.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkish-us-troops-conduct-2nd-joint-patrol-north-65826536|title=Turkish, US troops conduct 2nd joint patrol in north Syria|publisher=ABC News|location=United States|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924170323/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkish-us-troops-conduct-2nd-joint-patrol-north-65826536|url-status=live}}

• Two Turkish Air Force F-16 jets were allowed to peacefully fly over the buffer zone area within the framework of the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-fly-over-northern-syria/1592856|title=Turkish jets fly over northern Syria|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924170331/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-fly-over-northern-syria/1592856|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/world/2019-09/24/content_75238708.htm|title=Turkish war planes fly over Syria in anti-IS campaign – China.org.cn|website=china.org.cn|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924170329/http://www.china.org.cn/world/2019-09/24/content_75238708.htm|url-status=live}}
• President Erdoğan spoke before the United Nations General Assembly, stating that 3 million Syrian refugees could be resettled within the buffer zone, if it is extended all the way to Raqqa and the Assad government-held city of Deir ez-Zor.{{Cite web|url=http://origin.yenisafak.com.tr/en/news/peace-corridor-to-solve-syria-migrant-crysis-president-erdogan-3501398|title=Peace corridor to solve Syria migrant crysis: President Erdoğan|website=Yeni Şafak|language=tr-TR|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924170328/http://origin.yenisafak.com.tr/en/news/peace-corridor-to-solve-syria-migrant-crysis-president-erdogan-3501398|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TRTWorldNow/status/1176519792519524352|title=We must increase the depth of the safe zone in northern Syria to include Deir Ezzor and Raqqa – Erdogan|last=Now|first=TRT World|date=24 September 2019|website=@TRTWorldNow|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924155333/https://twitter.com/TRTWorldNow/status/1176519792519524352|url-status=live}} He also held up a map, which depicted a {{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=}} deep "safety corridor" in Northern Syria – reiterating the Turkish demand for an immediate extension of the buffer zone up to 30 km.{{Cite tweet|user=smmsyria|number=1176524632570191872|title=BREAKING / #Turkey's president #Erdogan shows map for his nation's plan to establish a 30 km safety-corridor in northern #Syriapic.twitter.com/voQMVZYuNC|last=Syria|first=S. M. M.|date=24 September 2019|access-date=24 September 2019}}{{Cite tweet|user=tobiaschneider|number=1176521727146414080|title=cool cool, announcing mass human rights violations on the #UNGA floorpic.twitter.com/G0fMuAyAMw|last=Schneider|first=Tobias|date=24 September 2019|access-date=24 September 2019}}
• The SDF denounced Erdoğan's statement, considering his proposed relocation plan for 3 million refugees as an attempt at 'ethnic cleansing'.{{Cite tweet|user=cmoc_sdf|number=1176534387971821569|title=Turkish president announces plans to #UNGA for mass human rights violations in NE #Syria. He plans to strip people of their land and force demographic change. He has made his plan clear to ethnic 'cleanse' Kurds from NE Syria. The people won’t stand for it, we live in peace here.https://twitter.com/tobiaschneider/status/1176521727146414080 …|last=SDF|first=Coordination & Military Ops Center-|date=24 September 2019|access-date=24 September 2019}}

On 1 October, the Turkish-imposed deadline for the fulfillment of Turkish demands expired without satisfaction, casting uncertainty on the future of the Buffer Zone and leaving the region once more under threat of a Turkish incursion.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/turkeys-syria-safe-zone-deadline-expires-1.66821497|title=Turkey's Syria 'safe zone' deadline expires|website=gulfnews.com|date=October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012105931/https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/turkeys-syria-safe-zone-deadline-expires-1.66821497|url-status=live}}

On 5 October, the Turkish president Erdoğan warned that a full-scale invasion of Northern Syria could start that same or following day, after defining the joint U.S.-Turkish ground and air patrols as "a fairy tale". He further stated that the Turkish military had already prepared for the attack and had received plans for the invasion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKCN1WK053|title=Erdogan says Turkey to launch military operation in northeast Syria|date=5 October 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014103913/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKCN1WK053|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/10/05/turkey-ready-for-operation-east-of-euphrates-in-syria-erdogan-says|title=Turkey ready for operation east of Euphrates in Syria, Erdoğan says|website=DailySabah|date=5 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012042237/https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/10/05/turkey-ready-for-operation-east-of-euphrates-in-syria-erdogan-says|url-status=live}}

• Rojava officials warned that any such attack could risk the re-emergence of ISIL, as SDF units would have to leave their garrisons in the recently secured former ISIL strongholds in order to resist the invasion. At the same time, SDF officials warned that they would "not hesitate to turn any unprovoked attack by Turkey into an all-out war on the entire border and defend our people".{{Cite news|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/0f7e7f5d-8d71-46f6-b77a-744be2e8f9ff|title=Syrian Kurds say Turkish attack would help ISIS fighters to escape|last=van Wilgenburg |first=Wladimir |work=Kurdistan24|access-date=18 January 2025|archive-date=15 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015035931/https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/0f7e7f5d-8d71-46f6-b77a-744be2e8f9ff|url-status=dead}}
• United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper gave an ambiguous statement on the Turkish threat, stating that the United States was "working to make the security mechanism functional".{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/1981637/secretary-esper-press-interview/|title=Secretary Esper Press Interview|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008034249/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/1981637/secretary-esper-press-interview/|url-status=live}}
• Operation Inherent Resolve coalition jets intensively overflew the Syria-Turkish border, while SDF units were reported to have started constructing new trenches and fortifications {{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=}} south of the border in anticipation of an attack after having previously demolished its own fortifications along the border as part of the Buffer Zone deal. Meanwhile, the SDF military councils along the entire border were placed on alert and began preparing to resist Turkish forces.{{Cite web|url=https://stepagency-sy.net/2019/10/05/%d8%a8%d8%b9%d8%af-%d8%aa%d8%b5%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%ad%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a3%d8%b1%d8%af%d9%88%d8%ba%d8%a7%d9%86-%d9%82%d8%b3%d8%af-%d8%aa%d8%ad%d9%81%d8%b1-%d8%ae%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%af%d9%82-%d9%88%d8%aa/|title=بعد تصريحات أردوغان.. "قسد" تحفر خنادق وتحصن مواقعها شمالي الرقة|date=5 October 2019|website=وكالة ستيب الإخبارية|language=ar|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171027/https://stepagency-sy.net/2019/10/05/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%81%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%82-%D9%88%D8%AA/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=142758|title=Battle along the borders between banks of the Tigris and Euphrates in case Turkey decides to start a military operation east Euphrates • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=6 October 2019|website=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171036/https://www.syriahr.com/en/142758/|url-status=live}}

On 7 October, a White House Office press statement noted that Turkey would be "moving forward with its long-planned operation into northern Syria" and declared that while U.S. forces would not actively support the operation, they would withdraw from the area, essentially allowing it to take place. The statement reportedly suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump approved of the Turkish offensive after Turkish president Erdoğan assured him that Turkey would take over the detention of ISIL prisoners held in SDF captivity. Trump's sudden approval of a Turkish incursion was seen as a reversal of the objectives of the Buffer Zone agreement and was received controversially within the United States. Spokesmen of the SDF said the U.S. move was a "stab in the back" and asserted that the SDF would "defend north-east Syria at all costs".{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/07/us-to-let-turkish-forces-move-into-syria-abandoning-kurdish-allies|title=US to let Turkish forces move into Syria, dumping Kurdish allies|last=Istanbul|first=Julian Borger Bethan McKernan in|date=7 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 October 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031215233/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/07/us-to-let-turkish-forces-move-into-syria-abandoning-kurdish-allies|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/republicans-former-us-officials-slam-trump-abandoning-kurds-in-syria-2019-10|title=Republicans and former US officials rip into Trump for abandoning the Kurds in Syria|last=Haltiwanger|first=John|website=Business Insider|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028232929/https://www.businessinsider.com/republicans-former-us-officials-slam-trump-abandoning-kurds-in-syria-2019-10|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/07/767904589/shocking-trump-is-criticized-for-pulling-troops-from-syrian-border|title='Shocking': Trump Is Criticized For Pulling Troops From Syrian Border|publisher=NPR|date=7 October 2019|access-date=7 October 2019|last1=Chappell|first1=Bill|last2=Gonzales|first2=Richard|archive-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025214258/https://www.npr.org/2019/10/07/767904589/shocking-trump-is-criticized-for-pulling-troops-from-syrian-border|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Kurds condemn US 'stab in the back' in Syria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49960973 |access-date=7 October 2019 |date=7 October 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007125552/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49960973 |url-status=live }}

• Following the announcement of his approval of a Turkish operation, Trump tweeted a threat to Erdogan in which he stated that if Turkey took any action that he deemed "off limits", he would "totally destroy and obliterate" the Turkish economy.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181232249821388801|title=As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!). They must, with Europe and others, watch over...|last=Trump|first=Donald J.|date=7 October 2019|website=@realDonaldTrump|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028080631/https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181232249821388801|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/donald-trump-threatens-to-obliterate-turkey-s-economy-if-it-acts-off-limits|title=Donald Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Turkey's economy if it acts off limits|website=SBS News|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171033/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/donald-trump-threatens-to-obliterate-turkeys-economy-if-it-acts-off-limits-in-syria/lsqmkd4po|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/trump-warns-turkey-going-too-far-after-greenlighting-syria-invasion-doc-1l71qk14|title=Trump warns Turkey of going too far after greenlighting Syria invasion|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=16 January 2012|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007191824/https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/trump-warns-turkey-going-too-far-after-greenlighting-syria-invasion-doc-1l71qk14|url-status=live}}
• U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated he would "introduce bipartisan sanctions against Turkey if they invade Syria". Graham said he would also "call for their suspension from NATO if they attack Kurdish forces who assisted the US in the destruction of the ISIS Caliphate".{{cite news |title=Lindsey Graham turns on Trump over 'disaster' Syria move |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-syria-turkey-lindsey-graham-twitter-pomepo-isis-assad-iran-middle-east-a9146161.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-syria-turkey-lindsey-graham-twitter-pomepo-isis-assad-iran-middle-east-a9146161.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=7 October 2019}}
• The SDF sent a large number of reinforcements from Raqqa and northern Deir ez-Zor toward the Syrian-Turkish border, particularly around the areas of Ras al-Ayn and Tell Abyad.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=142912|title=Lens of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitors the withdrawal of vehicles and fighters affiliated to the Syria Democratic Forces from Al-Omar Oilfield towards the areas of Ras Al-Ayn and Tell Abyad at the border with Turkey • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=7 October 2019|website=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171038/https://www.syriahr.com/en/142912/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RojavaNetwork/status/1181157438738837504|title=Large number of Reinforcements of SDF are sent from Raqqa and Deir ez-zor to the 370 km border of turkey. #Twitterkurds #Rojava #SDF #Turkey #TSK #Syria|last=Network|first=Rojava|date=7 October 2019|website=@RojavaNetwork|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=8 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108220216/https://twitter.com/RojavaNetwork/status/1181157438738837504|url-status=live}}
• Several thousand residents of the SDF-held city of Kobanî came out in a demonstration against Turkish threats.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=142910|title=Lens of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitors a demonstration carried out by thousands of people in Ayn Al-Arab city (Kobani) at the border with Turkey condemning and denouncing the Turkish threats of launching a military operation in the east of Euphrates • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=7 October 2019|website=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171032/https://www.syriahr.com/en/142910/|url-status=live}}

On 8 October, with U.S. forces conducting a withdrawal from the border, SDF officials expressed their intentions to negotiate with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for a deal that could see the entry of Syrian Army units into SDF-held territories, which they hoped would forestall the planned Turkish invasion.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-kurds-damascus-idUKKBN1WN16R|title=Syrian Kurdish official eyes possible talks with Damascus|date=8 October 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008142026/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-kurds-damascus-idUKKBN1WN16R|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RojavaNetwork/status/1181485376747294720|title=The Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Armed Forces, Mazlum Abdi: "We are considering a partnership with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with the aim of fighting Turkish forces." #Twitterkurds #Rojava #SDF #SAA #Turkey #TSKpic.twitter.com/gARn4Rdom0|last=Network|first=Rojava|date=8 October 2019|website=@RojavaNetwork|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=24 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024225619/https://twitter.com/RojavaNetwork/status/1181485376747294720|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980716000397|title=FarsNews Agency – Syrian Kurds Resorting to Damascus after US Betrayal|website=en.farsnews.com|access-date=8 October 2019}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/middle-east/551984|title=SDF Considering Partnership with Syria Against Turkey: Commander Abdi|date=8 October 2019|website=BasNews|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008113330/http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/middle-east/551984|url-status=live}} Syria's Foreign Minister urged Kurdish forces to hand over several areas controlled by them to the Syrian Government, stating that should they refuse to do so, they would be faced with "abyss" in the face of Turkey.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syrian-minister-urges-kurds-to-return-to-damascus-or-face-abyss-1.920858|title=Syrian minister urges Kurds to return to Damascus or face 'abyss'|website=The National|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008121938/https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syrian-minister-urges-kurds-to-return-to-damascus-or-face-abyss-1.920858|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-sdf-claim-syrian-army-is-preparing-to-capture-manbij/|title=Kurdish-led SDF claim Syrian Army is preparing to capture Manbij|date=8 October 2019|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009044749/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-sdf-claim-syrian-army-is-preparing-to-capture-manbij/|url-status=dead}} Masoud Barzani, senior politician in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, urged Russia to intervene in the crisis in order to prevent "further suffering and pain of the Kurdish people in Syria".{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1081947|title=Iraqi Kurdistan urges Russia to help Kurds in Syria|website=TASS|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112060730/https://tass.com/world/1081947|url-status=live}}

{{Main|2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria}}

On 9 October, Turkish president Erdoğan announced that the offensive against the SDF, Operation Peace Spring, had begun.{{cite news |title=Operation Peace Spring starts in N Syria: Erdogan |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/operation-peace-spring-starts-in-n-syria-erdogan/1607147 |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=aa.com.tr |agency=Anadolu Agency |date=9 October 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009141141/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/operation-peace-spring-starts-in-n-syria-erdogan/1607147 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/turkey-launches-assault-syrian-kurdish-forces-doc-1l92e211|title=Turkey launches assault on Syrian Kurdish forces|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=16 January 2012|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009162023/https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/turkey-launches-assault-syrian-kurdish-forces-doc-1l92e211|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/10/09/turkey-launches-syria-invasion-kurds-ask-us-to-enforce-no-fly-zone.html|title=Turkey launches Syria invasion, Kurds ask US to enforce no-fly zone|website=cnbc.com|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=11 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011031534/https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/10/09/turkey-launches-syria-invasion-kurds-ask-us-to-enforce-no-fly-zone.html|url-status=live}}

• The Assad government strongly condemned the Turkish operation, accusing Turkey of "disgracefully" violating international law, as well as Syria's territorial integrity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-govt-slams-new-turkish-operation-in-syria/|title=Syrian gov't slams new Turkish operation in Syria|date=9 October 2019|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308085729/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-govt-slams-new-turkish-operation-in-syria/|url-status=dead}}
• The SDF urged the international community to implement a no-fly zone over Northern Syria, in order to prevent "an imminent humanitarian crisis".

File:Black Hawk helicopters fly over Security Mechanism.jpg helicopter, 16 September 2019]]

The Kurdish Rudaw Media Network asserted that Turkey did not have a pressing "security concern" for a buffer zone at all, noting that Turkey had managed to successfully prevent any border crossings during the siege of Kobanî without the need for a buffer zone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/analysis/11082019|title=Syria 'safe zone' nothing to do with Turkey's security|website=rudaw.net|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813120746/https://www.rudaw.net/english/analysis/11082019|url-status=live}}

The Turkish Ahval agency reported that joint U.S.-Turkish patrols suggested that the United States was "submitting" to Turkish demands and thus providing Turkey an 'entrée' into even more demands.{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/safe-zone/joint-patrols-suggest-us-submitting-turkeys-demands-analysis|title=Joint patrols suggest U.S. submitting to Turkey's demands – analysis|website=Ahval|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006122034/https://ahvalnews.com/safe-zone/joint-patrols-suggest-us-submitting-turkeys-demands-analysis|url-status=live}}

The Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Turkey Analyst publication reported that Turkish authorities may have viewed the buffer zone as a way to "move beyond Kobanî" and restart the strained US- Turkey relations at the time, while giving political leverage to U.S. President Donald Trump to continue delaying the implementation of U.S. Congress-mandated sanctions against Turkey, which were voted in due to Turkey purchasing S-400 missile systems from Russia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/625-syrian-safe-zone-moves-us-turkey-relationship-beyond-kobani.html|title=Syrian Safe Zone Moves U.S.-Turkey Relationship Beyond Kobani|website=turkeyanalyst.org|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006123700/https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/625-syrian-safe-zone-moves-us-turkey-relationship-beyond-kobani.html|url-status=live}}

The conservative American news outlet Washington Examiner described the establishment of the buffer zone as "appeasement", which it dubbed "a terrible idea". The publication described Turkish intelligence as "deeply flawed and politicised", claimed that members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's family and even Erdoğan himself might have "supported" both the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and asserted that Turkey's previous incursion into Northern Syria had ended in "anti-Kurdish ethnic cleansing".{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-emptiness-of-turkeys-complaints-against-syrian-kurds|title=The emptiness of Turkey's complaints against Syrian Kurds|date=3 September 2019|website=Washington Examiner|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006122030/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-emptiness-of-turkeys-complaints-against-syrian-kurds|url-status=live}}

The Israeli Jerusalem Post newspaper described the establishment of the buffer zone due to Turkish threats as a "rewriting of international law", which implicitly recognized a "right to invade" and would have great implications for other world conflicts by allowing militarily powerful nations to unilaterally assert themselves over weaker ones.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Turkey-re-writes-international-law-with-safe-zone-invasion-doctrine-603830|title=Turkey re-writes international law with "safe zone" invasion doctrine – Middle East – Jerusalem Post|website=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006084149/https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Turkey-re-writes-international-law-with-safe-zone-invasion-doctrine-603830|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone}}

On 22 October, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met and reached a deal aimed at concluding the Turkish offensive in Northern Syria, based in part on the first buffer zone deal, but with significant changes and excluding the United States.

• {{flag|Ba'athist Syria}} – The Syrian government strongly condemned and categorically rejected the deal, dubbing it a "blatant attack" on the nation's national sovereignty, as well as a violation of international law.{{Cite web|url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/uncategorized/52232/syria-government-rejects-us-turkish-safe-zone.html|title=Syria Government Rejects US, Turkish Safe Zone|date=9 August 2019|website=The Syrian Observer|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172057/https://syrianobserver.com/EN/uncategorized/52232/syria-government-rejects-us-turkish-safe-zone.html|url-status=live}}{{efn|name=fn1|Neither the Syrian Government, nor its Russian and Iranian allies were included in the negotiations. Their condemnation of the agreement stems primarily from the fact that two foreign nations (namely Turkey and the United States) had negotiated a demilitarized zone entirely within Syrian territory, without any input from the Syrian government or its backers.}}
• {{flag|Turkey}} – Turkish foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu warned that Turkey would not allow the plans for the implementation of the buffer zone to "stall" and cautioned that Turkey would not tolerate a repetition of the unenforced Manbij roadmap. Cavusoglu further pledged to clear the buffer zone of "YPG terrorists".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1UY1F3|title=Turkey will not let Syria safe zone agreement be delayed: foreign...|date=8 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172058/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1UY1F3|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/08/11/turkey-wont-let-us-stall-operation-east-of-euphrates-fm-cavusoglu-says|title=Turkey won't let US stall operation east of Euphrates, FM Çavuşoğlu says|website=DailySabah|date=11 August 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172057/https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/08/11/turkey-wont-let-us-stall-operation-east-of-euphrates-fm-cavusoglu-says|url-status=live}} Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed dissatisfaction with the size, scope and implementation timeline of the deal numerous times and has threatened to void the agreement, as well as allow free refugee migration to Europe, if the deal's terms are not altered and interpreted more in line with Turkey's vision for the zone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/05/erdogan-ill-let-syrian-refugees-leave-turkey-for-west-unless-safe-zone-set-up|title=Erdoğan: I'll let Syrian refugees leave Turkey for west unless safe zone set up|date=5 September 2019|website=The Guardian|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906052016/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/05/erdogan-ill-let-syrian-refugees-leave-turkey-for-west-unless-safe-zone-set-up|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1VL0GP|title=Turkey to launch own Syria plan in weeks unless has 'safe zone'...|date=31 August 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901202348/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idUSKCN1VL0GP|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/09/04/syria-safe-zone-nothing-more-than-a-name-erdogan-says|title=Syria safe zone nothing more than a name, Erdoğan says|website=DailySabah|date=4 September 2019|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904224600/https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/09/04/syria-safe-zone-nothing-more-than-a-name-erdogan-says|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|United States}} – The US embassy in Turkey released a statement, in which it noted that US and Turkish military delegations had met and agreed to work together to address Turkey's 'security concerns'.{{Cite web|url=https://tr.usembassy.gov/statement-on-joint-military-talks-regarding-syria/|title=Statement on Joint Military Talks Regarding Syria|date=7 August 2019|website=U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Turkey|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172100/https://tr.usembassy.gov/statement-on-joint-military-talks-regarding-syria/|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Russia}} – Russia warned of what it deemed were efforts to divide northeastern Syria and added that any legitimate agreement would require the approval of the Syrian Government. Russia urged dialogue between the Syrian Government and Rojava as a means to prevent the partition of Syria.{{efn|name=fn1}} However, several weeks later, during a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support for a buffer zone in principle, stating that Turkey had been shouldering a "huge refugee load" and had "legitimate concerns" over the security of its southern borders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/putin-proposes-buffer-zone-idlib.html|title=Putin backs US-brokered security zone in Syria during Erdogan's Moscow visit|date=27 August 2019|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829122121/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/08/putin-proposes-buffer-zone-idlib.html|url-status=live}} Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented that Russia "always supports" de-escalation agreements, but insisted that all such agreements "respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the rights of the Arab tribes, traditionally living around the Euphrates."{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/russia-follows-us-turkey-safe-zone-talks-in-syria/1571237|title=Russia follows US-Turkey safe-zone talks in Syria|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904202234/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/russia-follows-us-turkey-safe-zone-talks-in-syria/1571237|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Iran}} – Iran condemned the agreement, considering it a "provocative and worrying step", which it deemed to violate the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.{{Cite web|url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-slams-us-provocative-plan-for-syria-safe-zone|title=Iran Slams US 'Provocative' Plan for Syria Safe Zone|date=18 August 2019|website=Iran Front Page|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=26 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126093737/https://ifpnews.com/iran-slams-us-provocative-plan-for-syria-safe-zone|url-status=live}}{{efn|name=fn1}}
• {{Flag|Denmark}} – Shortly before joint US-Turkish ground patrols within the zone were due to begin, Denmark announced that it would be sending Danish army troops and medical personnel to SDF-held areas in Northern Syria, in what the Danish Government dubbed a move assist SDF and 'residual' U.S. forces in their fight against ISIL.{{Cite web|url=https://ahvalnews.com/northern-syria/denmark-deploy-troops-northern-syria|title=Denmark to deploy troops to Northern Syria|website=Ahval|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909035604/https://ahvalnews.com/northern-syria/denmark-deploy-troops-northern-syria|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/09/07/denmark-military-syria-barkhane-mali-nato/|title=Denmark plans to boost military contributions to the Sahel, Syria and NATO|date=7 September 2019|website=The Defense Post|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909045501/https://thedefensepost.com/2019/09/07/denmark-military-syria-barkhane-mali-nato/|url-status=live}} The United States Department of Defense welcomed this announcement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1954041/defense-department-statement-on-denmarks-deployment-to-syria/|title=Defense Department Statement on Denmark's Deployment to Syria|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906195400/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/1954041/defense-department-statement-on-denmarks-deployment-to-syria/|url-status=live}}

• {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Syrian Democratic Forces – The SDF announced support for the deal, stating that they were ready to support its implementation and would "strike to ensure the success of efforts towards implementing the understanding ... with the Turkish state".{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/syria-kurds-help-implement-us-turkey-safe-zone-164240354.html|title=Syria Kurds say will help implement US-Turkey 'safe zone'|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172059/https://news.yahoo.com/syria-kurds-help-implement-us-turkey-safe-zone-164240354.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190808-syria-rejects-turkey-usa-safe-zone-plan-kurds-guarded-welcome|title=Damascus rejects Turkey-US safe zone plan, Kurds give guarded welcome|date=8 August 2019|website=France 24|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829082620/https://www.france24.com/en/20190808-syria-rejects-turkey-usa-safe-zone-plan-kurds-guarded-welcome|url-status=live}} At the same time, the co-chair of the foreign relations department at the Syrian Democratic Council has stated that the SDF would not tolerate any advance of Turkish troops, nor of their allied armed groups.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/08/syria-safe-zone-plan-may-just-be-wishful-thinking|title=Syria safe zone plan may just be wishful thinking|last1=Chulov|first1=Martin|date=8 August 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 August 2019|last2=Borger|first2=Julian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827204944/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/08/syria-safe-zone-plan-may-just-be-wishful-thinking|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Syrian opposition}} – The Syrian opposition, of which Turkey is one of the largest backers, supported the Turkish position by demanding that the safe zone be expanded to between {{Convert|30-40|km|mi|abbr=}}. The opposition Syrian Interim Government aspired to one day control the zone, stating that they had three files of 120 pages each, which documented a plan to govern the zone, should they somehow come to occupy it at some point in the future.{{efn|No provision is made in the deal for any expansion of the areas governed by the Syrian Interim Government, which at that time had been confined exclusively to the Turkish occupied areas of Syria. The SDF categorically opposes any such expansion and considers the entry of Turkish-backed opposition groups to be a 'red line' in negotiations. The deal explicitly states that the areas of the buffer zone are to remain under the military and civil control of the Rojava government and the SDF military councils.}}

• 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria
• Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)
• Syrian peace process
• Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war
• Turkish occupation of northern Syria
• US intervention in the Syrian civil war

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web|url = https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-85/|title = Statement from the [U.S.] Press Secretary: Foreign policy|date = 6 October 2019|author = Stephanie Grisham|via = National Archives|work = whitehouse.gov|type = Read out of 6 October 2019, telephone conversation between Turkish president Erdogan and U.S. president Trump}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Northern Syria Buffer Zone}}

Category:Syrian civil war

Category:2019 in Syria

Category:August 2019 in Syria

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2019

Category:Politics of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

Category:Syrian Democratic Forces

Category:Syrian Kurdistan

Category:Demilitarized zones

Category:Aleppo Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Raqqa Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Al-Hasakah Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Syria–Turkey relations

Category:Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war