Erdogan’s announcement also comes amid a dispute within the NATO alliance about the potential admission of Sweden and Finland. The Turkish leader has objected to either nation’s admission, saying they support Kurdish terrorist groups like the PKK and YPG – allegations Stockholm has denied. “We will soon take new steps regarding the incomplete portions of the project we started on the 30-kilometer deep safe zone we established along our southern border,” Erdogan said, referring to the October 2019 “Operation Peace Spring.
