Turkey says it will launch ground invasion of Syria with 'profound consequences'

Local counter-terrorism operations against Islamic State – which continues to plan attacks against the West – are now suspended as Kurdish militants prepare to carry out a ground war against Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered a ground invasion of Kurdish areas in northern Syria (

Image: AFP via Getty Images

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that his troops will carry out a ground invasion in the Kurdish regions of northern Syria.

The threat of an attack suspended local counter-terrorism operations against the Islamic State, which continues to plot against the West.

Turkey recently launched airstrikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Syria and Iraq in revenge for a November 13 bombing in Istanbul.

As well as freeing ISIS fighters, it also jeopardizes the safety of thousands of detained ISIS refugees – like ex-British exile Shamima Begum.

A UK security source said: "Turkey's threats against Kurdish troops are finally freeing ISIS to plan further attacks, especially against Western countries like the UK.

The threat means that Kurdish forces are unable to focus their attention on groups like ISIS - who continue to plan attacks on the West (

Picture:

AFP via Getty Images)

"This will have far-reaching consequences."

Mr. Erdogan said air operations are "just the beginning" and Turkey is determined to "close all our southern borders...with a security strip that will prevent the possibility of attacks on our country".< /p >

Turkey has carried out a series of incursions into Syria since 2016 and already controls parts of northern Syria.

Mr. Erdogan added: