Turkey continues to be one of the countries most affected by the Syrian conflict. It has dealt with the overflow of refugees and the economic cost of hosting close to 3 million of them. And now, more than ever, it is facing security threats from across the border. With multiple rockets hitting Turkish soil, citizens in Turkey are becoming increasingly concerned.
As Turkey continues its’ fight against terror - Turkish military forces and Islamic State –ISIL seem to be at a constant battle – each retaliating the others’ latest attack. Since January rockets fired from within Syria have hit the Turkish border town of Kilis many times – killing 21 people.
Yet on Saturday two rockets hit Gaziantep’s Oguzeli district – the significance being that it landed near the airport. It’s believed to be in retaliation to Turkey’s operation last week which was reported to have killed over 100 Islamic State – ISIL militants.
Many in Turkey are concerned of ISIL’s escalating violence those in Gaziantep especially are fearful of what may happen if Isil develops its weapons.
"Of course we are worried, we live in Gaziantep, if their weapons’ range could reach further there would be people across the border who could fire rockets into our city center," Turkish citizen in Gaziantep said.
Turkey has been calling on the international community to take some measures including a no-fly zone to prevent such attacks, yet the US-led coalition has so far declined this suggestion. Meanwhile some of ISIL’s strategies make fighting the extremist group challenging.
"Turkish forces are responding strongly within the rules of engagement by shelling ISIL positions, and this has an impact, however they constantly change locations and attack from new positions, therefore these reciprocal attacks will continue," Retired Turkish army officer Ibrahim Pazan said.
As a neighbouring country to Syria, Turkey is one of the countries at highest risk of terrorist attacks by ISIL including suicide bombings. Yet as repeatedly emphasized by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan – it will continue fighting ISIL as part of the US-led coalition. We can only expect more violence to come in the region – both within and across the Turkish border.
