Special to WorldTribune.com

ANKARA — Turkey has been exercising to conduct military operations in Syria.

On Oct. 21, the Turkish Air Force conducted an exercise meant to monitor northern Syria, particularly the Tomb of Suleiman Sah some 40 kilometers from the Turkish border.

The exercise, which also sought to bolster border security, was attended by air force commander Gen. Akun Ozturk.

“Gen. Ozturk flew over with pilots deployed at the Diyarbakir 181st Squadron command and inspected a military exercise meant to protect the Suleiman Sah military post and for the task of the air force in supporting military posts,” the air force said on Oct. 27.

The exercise was said to have been conducted by the air force and army along Turkey’s 900-kilometer border with Syria. The air force statement said Ozturk also inspected border posts along the Turkish border with Iraq.

Turkey’s intelligence community has also been authorized to monitor the borders, particularly Kurdish fighters to and from Syria.

The Turkish Air Force has already launched operations in Iraq against the Kurdistan Workers Party. The General Staff said four U.S.-origin F-4E surveillance aircraft flew over northern Iraq.

For decades, Turkey’s military, which deploys 40 soldiers at the site, has controlled Suleiman Sah. President Recep Erdogan, in a claim rejected by the opposition, said the tomb has come under threat by Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

“The Turkish Armed Forces will not hesitate to rush to your aid without delay,” Erdogan said.

In October 2014, parliament authorized the Turkish military to deploy in foreign countries. The military was also allowed to operate in neighboring Iraq and Syria.

“The army was ready to stand by the tomb if required,” the air force said.

  Turkey exercises gear up for possible action in Syria, WorldTribune.com