Tens of Thousands Flee Homes in Syria: BBC

The United States began withdrawing troops from the region. Turkey wasted no time, launching an invasion of the border area with Syria – home to Kurdish people, many of whom stepped up at US urging to battle Islamic State terrorists. The invasion causes thousands of people to flee. “Turkish troops have encircled the border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad and aid agencies fear the exodus could reach hundreds of thousands,” reports BBC News. “International clamour has increased for Turkey to halt the attack.” Turkey claims the purpose is to create safe zones for the return of refugees, but the initial result is chaos and civilian deaths, along with possible release of ISIS terrorists held by the Kurds. Turkey’s explanation does ot mesh with its resentment for the militias of the Syrian Democratic Forces or Kurdish desire for autonomy. Aid groups estimate more than 60,000 people have fled, and that number could displace as many 450,000. The United States is considering sanctions for Turkey, but those won’t end the airstrikes and immediate violence. – YaleGlobal