Turkey Investigates Flag Burning Amid Border Tensions

Turkey is currently looking into reports of its flag being burned during protests near the Syrian border. These protests happened at the same time as fighting between Syrian government troops and Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria. The Syrian army has been making progress in this area, which was previously controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ankara sees the SDF as a terrorist group linked to the outlawed Kurdish PKK militants in Turkey. Turkey has been in talks with the PKK for months, pushing for them to give up their weapons and end their insurgency, which has been going on for four decades.Videos from the protests showed people trying to climb over fences along the border. Some were seen burning or tearing down Turkish flags and shouting slogans. Police used water cannons and pepper spray to break up the crowds, leading to some scuffles. Turkish officials have condemned the protests. The Justice Minister announced that prosecutors are looking into the incidents. The Defense Ministry also said they are investigating reports of PKK supporters trying to cross the border illegally. One official stated that these actions are attempts to undermine Turkey's efforts to create a terror-free country. Another official promised a strong response to these events. Since 2016, Turkey has sent troops into northern Syria to stop the SDF from gaining more control. The SDF, however, has said that the peace talks between Turkey and the PKK do not involve them.