However, Ankara opposes SDF’s involvement since the force includes People's Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey considers to be an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), outlawed in the country.
"Turkey argues that the operation for the liberation of Raqqa from Daesh should not involve participation of another terrorist group — YPG [Kurdish People Protection Unit]. As for alternatives, Turkey is ready to offer them. We, in particular, suggest using the support of the local forces, mainly the Free Syrian Army," Isik was quoted as saying by the Anadolu Agency.
In August, Turkish forces, backed by US-led coalition aircraft, began a military operation dubbed Euphrates Shield to clear the Syrian border town of Jarabulus and the surrounding area of Daesh. As Jarabulus was retaken, the joint forces of Ankara, the coalition and Syrian opposition continued the offensive southwest.
