Turkish government asks extending army’s mandate on possible Syrian threats combating

The Turkish government submitted to the Presidium of the Parliament on Monday a request to extend for one year the army’s mandate on possible combating of threats from Syria. The document gives the army authority to act in accordance with the national security requirements. In particular, the army obtains the possibility to respond with force on any possible threats from the Syrian side and take all necessary measures to maintain the national security. For the first time such a mandate was issued by the Majlis (Parliament) in autumn last year, and its term expires October 4. It is expected that on 3 October, the Parliament will discuss and vote on the extension of the army’s exclusive powers. According to NTV channel, the government specifically mentioned in the request incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria. In accordance with the mandate issued in 2012 and with the rules of engagement expanded by the general staff, Turkey has repeatedly responded to the shells that hit its territory, as well as cases of gunfire from Syria. Moreover, on September 16 the Turkish Air Forces shot down a helicopter of the Syrian Army that trespassed and invaded the Turkish air space for two miles.