Syria Shells NATO Country – Here We Go!

it would be in Turkey’s best interest to become involved militarily and create on its own, a Kurdish republic using former Syrian territory.

Maybe I’m being uber-cynical, but having worked in Turkey in a military environment, and seen how the Turks operate at first hand, I wouldn’t entirely put it past them to shell their own people just to escalate matters, and force NATO to become involved…

Though I would not need much effort to keep calm against such accusation, I must remind that Syria formally accepted the incident and offered condolences: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/shelling-now-under-investigation-says-syrian-minister.aspx?pageID=238&nID=31636&NewsCatID=359

As for the incident:

Yesterday (Oct 3rd) a couple of artillery shells hit border town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa between 1530 – 1630. The shell that hit the house in Kazim Karabekir district killed 5 people, wounded 10. Shortly after, Turkish T-155 self propelled howitzers of 20th Armored Brigade began shelling Syrian positions, identified by AN/TPQ-36 artillery locating radars. There are conflicting reports on the number of shells fired. There is also lack of credible information on the impact on Syrian side, number of casualties reported being as high as 34.

Some newspapers report F-16s from Diyarbakir 8th Main Jet Base and RF-4ETM’s from Malatya 7th Main Jet Base providing target identification, recon and strike direction; but no confirmation on that.

There were news that artillery shots being fired from Akcakale today morning, around 0645. But no recent news on any fire exchange or clash as of 1200 local time.

Maybe I’m being uber-cynical, but having worked in Turkey in a military environment, and seen how the Turks operate at first hand, I wouldn’t entirely put it past them to shell their own people just to escalate matters, and force NATO to become involved…